Device of distribution of impregnated supports and associated method

ABSTRACT

A method for distribution of supports impregnated with antibiotics includes a step of positioning of a plurality of tubular containers, each one containing a plurality of supports impregnated with antibiotics and stacked, in a corresponding plurality of seats of a dispenser. Extraction of at least a first support from a first container is performed using an extractor, the step of extraction being performed in correspondence of an upper end of the first container and comprising a movement of the first support between a first position inside of the first container and a second position extracted from the first container, said first position and said second position lying substantially in correspondence of an upper surface of the dispenser. Collection of the first support from the second position is performed using a collector. Transportation of the first support towards a culture plate by the collector is performed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of priority to Italian ApplicationNo. 102021000024827, filed Sep. 28, 2021, the contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure refers to the field of automatic machines, and indetail concerns a method and a device of distribution of impregnatedsupports.

The present disclosure concerns also a computer program designed tocause the execution of the method of distribution of impregnatedsupports.

The present disclosure concerns also a use of the device of distributionof impregnated supports for performing antibiotic sensitivity tests.

BACKGROUND

From prior art dispensing devices of impregnated discs are known, forexample impregnated with antibiotics, configured for moving said discsfrom a dispenser toward a culture plate. These dispensing devices aremainly designed to perform antibiotic sensitivity tests (typicallyshortened with the acronym AST).

An example of this dispensing device is described in the document EP 2518 136 B1. This document discloses a particular type of dispensingdevice comprising a magazine for containers of impregnated discs, ableto rotate, which has a shape of circular charger. This magazinecomprises a lateral wall in correspondence of which there is a pluralityof openings able to allow the extraction of said impregnated discs.

Drawer-like moving means are movable in a radially external directionfrom a radially-internal position of the magazine to move, each onethereof, a disc impregnated from a bottom portion of a container to anextraction position along said radially external direction.

In EP 2 518 136, the movement of impregnated discs through the devicedescribed in the document is slowed down by the presence of drawer-likemoving means that come out from the lateral wall of the magazine, tobring the impregnated discs to the extraction position outside of themagazine itself.

The Applicant notes that the presence of drawer-like moving meansstrongly limits the speed at which it is possible to activate thedispensing device described in EP 2 518 136. These drawer-like movingmeans, also due to their position substantially internal to themagazine, are complex and need complex mechanical actuators that cancompromise the reliability of the dispensing device.

The purpose of the present disclosure is to describe a device and amethod able to solve the aforementioned drawbacks.

The purpose of the present disclosure is also to describe a program forcomputer that allows to solve the aforementioned drawbacks.

SUMMARY

In order to solve the drawbacks of the devices of known art, theApplicant has conceived a method and a device of distribution ofsupports (30) of improved type, which allow to speed up and/or make theextraction of impregnated supports (30) from a plurality of containers(20) arranged on a dispenser (10) easier.

The present summary shows the object of the present disclosure in someof its salient aspects, which can be combined among them or withportions of the following detailed description.

[Method]

According to the present disclosure, it is herein described a method ofdistribution of supports (30) impregnated with antibiotics, comprising:

-   -   a step (1000) of positioning of a plurality of tubular        containers (20), each one containing a plurality of supports        (30) impregnated with antibiotics and stacked, in a        corresponding plurality of seats (11) of a dispenser (10),    -   a first step of extraction (1001) of at least a first support        (30) from a first container (20), by means of an extractor (18),        the step of extraction (1001) being performed in correspondence        of an upper end of the first container (20) and comprising a        movement (1002) of the first support (30) between a first        position (16) inside the first container (20) and a second        position (17) extracted from the first container, said first        position (16) and said second position (17) lying substantially        in correspondence of an upper surface of the dispenser (10)        and/or of a same horizontal plane;    -   a step of collection of the first support (30) from the second        position (17) by means of a collector (19),    -   a step of transportation (1004) of the first support (30)        towards a culture plate (40) by means of the collector (19).

According to the present disclosure is also described a method ofdistribution of supports (30), comprising:

-   -   a step (1000) of positioning of a plurality of containers (20),        each one containing a plurality of supports (30) stacked, in a        corresponding plurality of seats (11) of a dispenser (10),    -   a first step of extraction (1001) of at least a first support        (30) from a first container (20), by means of an extractor (18),        the step of extraction (1001) comprising a movement (1002) of        the first support (30) between a first position (16) within the        first container (20) and a second position (17) extracted from        the first container,    -   a step of collection of the first support (30) from the second        position (17) by means of a collector (19),    -   a step of transportation (1004) of the first support (30)        towards a culture plate (40) by means of the collector (19).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a step ofdeposition of the first support (30) on the culture plate (40).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the step of extraction (1001)is performed in correspondence of an upper end of the first container(20).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the step of extraction (1001)is performed in correspondence of a lower end of the first container(20).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the step of deposition of thefirst support (30) on the culture plate (40) is performed by thecollector (19).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said first position (16) andsaid second position (17) lie substantially in correspondence of anupper surface of the dispenser (10) and/or of a same horizontal plane.

According to another non-limiting aspect, said first position (16) andsaid second position (17) lie in substantial correspondence of a surfaceof the dispenser (10) accessible from above.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the supports (30) are supportsconfigured and destined to be impregnated with medical substances, orare supports impregnated with medical substances.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the supports (30) areimpregnated with antibiotics.

According to another non-limiting aspect, said medical substancescomprise antibiotics.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the method comprises at leasta second step of extraction (1001) of at least a first support (30) froma second container (20), by means of the extractor (18), and a step ofrelative movement between the extractor (18) and the dispenser (10)performed between said first step of extraction (1001) and said secondstep of extraction (1001), or

-   at least a plurality of steps of extraction (1001) of a plurality of    first supports (30) from a corresponding plurality of containers    (20), by means of the extractor (18), and a plurality of steps of    relative movement between the extractor (18) and the dispenser (10)    performed each one between two of said steps of extraction (1001).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the step of movement (1002)comprises a rotation and/or a translation of the extractor (18) withrespect to the dispenser (10) and/or comprises a rotation and/or atranslation of the dispenser (10) with respect to the extractor.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a step ofpositioning of the dispenser (10) in an operating position incorrespondence of which a first seat (11) of said plurality of seats(11) is in a predefined position of extraction configured and designedto allow the extraction of the at least a first support (30) from anupper end of the first container (20) housed in said first seat (11), bymeans of the extractor (18), and/or the movement (1002) of the at leasta first support (30) takes place

-   starting from an upper end of the first container (20) and wherein    an upper end of the first container (20) is in substantial    correspondence of the first position (16), optionally said    predefined position of extraction being designed to allow the    extraction of the at least a first support (30) from a supports    unloading portion (20 s) of the first container (20), in particular    from an end of supports (30) unloading of the first container (20)    directed upwards and substantially facing itself on the upper    surface of the dispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the step of rotation and/ortranslation of the dispenser (10) comprises a step of controlledrotation (1007) of the dispenser (10) through a rotor, optionallyautomatically controlled, so that a second seat (11) of said pluralityof seats (11) of the dispenser (10) be in said predefined position ofextraction configured and designed to allow the extraction of the atleast a first support (30) from an upper end of a second container (20)housed in said second seat (11), by means of the extractor (18).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the dispenser (10) has aconfiguration at least partially circular and the seats (11) arearranged according to an arrangement substantially circular in thedispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the dispenser (10) performsthe steps of movement between the positions of extraction throughrotation, and/or the movement (1002) of the first support (30) betweenthe first position (16) and the second position (17) comprises atranslation along a direction substantially radial with respect to acentre of the dispenser (10), optionally said movement (1002) comprisinga translation along a direction radially external with respect to thecentre of the dispenser (10) or comprising a translation along adirection radially internal with respect to the centre of the dispenser(10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a step ofholding of the at least a first support (30) at least at the end of thestep of extraction (1001), in substantial correspondence of the secondposition (17) and/or during the step of collection and/or oftransportation (1004) through the collector (19), said step of holdingcomprising the creation of a vacuum between the first support (30) and astriking surface by means of at least a first vacuum holder (14 v).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a step ofholding of the at least a first support (30) at least before the step oftransportation (1004) said step of holding comprising the creation of avacuum between the first support (30) and a striking surface by means ofat least a first vacuum holder (14 v).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said striking surface is atleast one between an upper surface of the dispenser (10), or a surfaceof the dispenser (10) accessible from above, or is a surface insubstantial correspondence of a collection area of an auxiliarydispenser (10 w) configured for housing a plurality of supports (30) ina respective plurality of collection areas (10 r).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a step ofholding of the first support (30) of the first container (20) by meansof the creation of a vacuum between said upper surface of the dispenser(10) and the first support (30) of the first container (20), wherein thestep of holding comprises a holding of the first support (30) when insubstantial correspondence of the second position (17) and/or at the endof the step of extraction (1001) and/or before the step oftransportation (1004).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said step of transportation(1004) comprises a holding, through an auxiliary vacuum holder (19 v),of at least a support (30) in correspondence of at least a respectivecollection head (19 t) of the collector (19) through the creation of avacuum between the at least a first support (30) and the collection head(19 t), optionally wherein the holding of the at least a first support(30) takes place in correspondence of an its upper surface and/orwherein the step of transportation (1004) comprises a holding of the atleast a first support (30) in correspondence of a lower end of thecollection head (19 t).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the holding of the at least asupport (30) in correspondence of at least a respective collection head(19 t) of the collector (19) through the creation of a vacuum betweenthe at least a first support (30) and the collection head (19 t) takesplace alternatively to the holding of the at least a first support (30)in substantial correspondence of a holding hole (14) positioned on thedispenser (10) or on the auxiliary dispenser (10 w).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said method comprises a stepof measurement of a vacuum exerted by said vacuum holder and/or by saidauxiliary vacuum holder (19 v), in particular through at least a vacuumswitch, and comprises a step of detection of a correct holding of the atleast a support (30) through an electronic comparison of a signal, inparticular of an electrical signal, transmitted by said vacuum switchwith at least a threshold value of vacuum.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a step ofholding of the first support (30) of the second container (20) by meansof the creation of a vacuum between said upper surface of the dispenser(10) and the first support (30) of the second container (20), whereinthe step of holding comprises a holding of the first support (30) of thesecond container (20) when in substantial correspondence of the secondposition (17) and/or at the end of the step of extraction (1001) and/orbefore the step of transportation (1004).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the step of holding of thefirst support (30) of the second container (20) takes placesimultaneously at the step of holding of the first support (30) of thefirst container (20) or takes place after the step of holding of thefirst support (30) of the first container (20) and after the step ofcontrolled rotation (1007) or of relative movement between the extractor(18) and the dispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the movement of the firstsupport (30) takes place in a portion shaped and/or recessed (10 r) ofthe upper surface, said first position (16) and said second position(17) being positioned in said portion shaped and/or recessed (10 r).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the step of extraction (1001)comprises a rotation and/or translation of the extractor with respect tothe dispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the method comprises at leasta second step of extraction (1001) of a first support (30) from a secondcontainer (20), by means of the extractor (18), and a step of relativemovement between the extractor (18) and the dispenser (10) performedbetween said first step of extraction (1001) and said second step ofextraction (1001) or comprises at least a second step of extraction(1001) of a second support (30) from the first container (20), by meansof the extractor (18), and a relative movement between the extractor(18) and the dispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said relative movement takesplace after the second step of extraction (1001) and, optionally, doesnot take place between the first and the second step of extraction(1001).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the method further comprises astep of positioning of the dispenser (10) in an operating position incorrespondence of which a first seat (11) of said plurality of seats(11) is in a predefined position of extraction configured and destinedto allow the extraction of the at least a first support (30) from anupper end of the first container (20) housed in said first seat (11), bymeans of the extractor (18), and/or the movement (1002) of the at leasta first support (30) takes place starting from an upper end of the firstcontainer (20) and an upper end of the first container (20) is insubstantial correspondence of the first position (16).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said predefined position ofextraction is configured and destined to allow the extraction of the atleast a first support (30) from a supports unloading portion (20 s) ofthe second container (20), in particular from a supports unloading endof the second container (20) directed upwards and facing itselfsubstantially on the upper surface of the dispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said predefined position ofextraction is configured and destined to allow the extraction of the atleast a first support (30) from a supports unloading portion (20 s) ofthe second container (20), in particular from a supports unloading endof the second container (20) directed downwards and facing itselfsubstantially on said upper surface of the dispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the movement (1002) of the atleast a first support (30) comprises a translation substantially throughsliding, taking place between the first position (16) and the secondposition (17).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said sliding takes place atleast partly on said dispenser (10), optionally along a direction ofmovement (Z) substantially axial.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the movement (1002) of the atleast a first support (30) takes place by means of a thrust performed byan extraction finger (18 s) performing in use a thrust of the at least afirst support (30) in substantial sliding on the upper surface of thedispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said direction of movement (Z)substantially axial is aligned between the first position (16) and thesecond position (17).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the step of transportation(1004) comprises a movement of the collector (19), said movementcomprises at least one between a translation approaching and moving awaywith respect to the upper surface of the dispenser (10), in particularalong an axis (W) of translation substantially vertical, and atranslation approaching and moving away along a radial line, withrespect to the dispenser (10) or substantially orthogonal with respectto the axis (W) of translation.

According to another non-limiting aspect, said movement is a compositemovement.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the step of holding comprisesa holding of the at least a first support (30) in substantialcorrespondence of a holding hole (14) operatively connected with saidfirst vacuum holder (14 v).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the holding hole (14) is incorrespondence of the striking surface.

According to another non-limiting aspect, said holding hole (14) is incorrespondence of the dispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said holding hole (14) is insubstantial correspondence of the upper surface of the dispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the holding of the at least afirst support (30) in said second extracted position (17) takes place onthe dispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said holding hole (14) is incorrespondence of the auxiliary dispenser (10 w).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said holding hole (14) is onthe auxiliary dispenser (10 w).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the holding hole (14) is insubstantial correspondence of the upper surface of the auxiliarydispenser (10 w).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said holding hole (14) is insubstantial correspondence of an upper surface of the auxiliarydispenser (10 w) and/or in substantial correspondence of the collectionarea of the auxiliary dispenser (10 w).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the holding of the at least afirst support (30) in said second extracted position (17) takes place onthe auxiliary dispenser (10 w).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the step of extraction (1001)comprises a movement (1002) of the at least a first support (30) on anauxiliary dispenser (10 w) arranged in proximity of the dispenser (10)and configured for housing a plurality of supports (30), optionally in aplurality of collection areas (10 r), in particular in a respectiveplurality of collection areas (10 r).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the second extracted position(17) is on said auxiliary dispenser (10 w), in particular on an uppersurface of the auxiliary dispenser (10 w) and/or on a surface of theauxiliary dispenser accessible from above.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the method comprises amovement, in particular at least a rotation, of the auxiliary dispenser(10 w), optionally said rotation taking place around a substantiallyvertical axis.

According to another non-limiting aspect, said rotation of the auxiliarydispenser (10 w) takes place after the first step of extraction (1001).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the auxiliary dispenser (10 w)comprises a plurality of collection areas (10 r) destined, each one, tocontain and/or retain at least a first support (30).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the movement, in particularthe rotation, of the auxiliary dispenser (10 w) determines a positioningof a predefined empty collection area (10 r) in a position such thatsaid second extracted position (17) corresponds substantially to saidpredefined empty collection area (10 r), optionally determining analignment, in particular a substantially radial alignment, between aseat (11) and said empty collection area (10 r).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the step of transportation(1004) comprises the transportation of a plurality of supports (30) fromthe auxiliary dispenser (10 w) toward the culture plate (40).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the step of transportation(1004) comprises the simultaneous transportation of a plurality ofsupports (30) from a respective plurality of collection areas (10 r) ofthe auxiliary dispenser (10 w) toward the culture plate (40).

According to another non-limiting aspect, during the step oftransportation (1004) the collector (19) performs an access to an uppersurface of the auxiliary dispenser (10 w) and performs a movement fortransporting said plurality of supports (30) from the auxiliarydispenser (10 w) toward the culture plate (40).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said movement is a compositemovement.

According to another non-limiting aspect, said movement comprises atleast one translation along a first and/or a second axis, and/or atleast one rotation around a substantially vertical axis.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the first and the second axisare substantially inclined between them, optionally orthogonal.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the method comprises acontrolled rotation of the dispenser (10) through a rotor.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a step oftransportation (1004) of the first support (30) from the secondcontainer (20) toward the culture plate (40).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the step of transportation(1004) of the first support (30) of the second container (20) toward theculture plate (40) by means of the collector (19) takes place when therotor has rotated in controlled way the dispenser (10) and when it isperformed at least the first step of extraction (1001).

According to the present disclosure is further described a method ofdistribution of supports (30) impregnated with antibiotics, comprising:

-   -   a step (1000) of positioning of a plurality of tubular        containers (20), each one containing a plurality of supports        (30) impregnated with antibiotics and stacked, in a        corresponding plurality of seats (11) of a dispenser (10),    -   a first step of extraction (1001) of at least a first support        (30) from a first container (20), by means of an extractor (18),        the step of extraction (1001) being performed in correspondence        of an end of the first container (20) and comprising a movement        (1002) of the first support (30) between a first position (16)        inside of the first container (20) and a second position (17)        extracted from the first container wherein the first support        (30) is positioned on an auxiliary dispenser (10 w) different        from the dispenser (10) and configured for housing a plurality        of supports (30) in a respective plurality of collection areas        (10 r),    -   a step of collection of the first support (30) from the second        position (17) by means of a collector (19),    -   a step of transportation (1004) of the first support (30) from        the auxiliary dispenser (10 w) towards a culture plate (40) by        means of the collector (19).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the step of extraction (1001)is performed in correspondence of an upper end of the first container(20) and/or the first position (16) inside of the first container (20)and/or the second position (17) extracted from the second container isin substantial correspondence of an upper surface of the dispenser (10)and/or of a same horizontal plane.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a secondstep of extraction (1001) of at least a second support (30) from thefirst container (20), the second step of extraction (1001) beingperformed in correspondence of an end of the first container (20) andcomprising a movement (1002) of the second support (30) between a firstposition (16) inside of the first container (20), and a second extractedposition (17) wherein the second support (30) is positioned on theauxiliary dispenser (10 w), and/or comprises a second step of extraction(1001) of a first support (30) from a second container (20), by means ofthe extractor (18), the second step of extraction (1001) being performedin correspondence of an end of the second container (20) and comprisinga movement (1002) of the first support (30) between a first position(16) inside of the second container (20), and a second extractedposition (17) wherein the first support (30) is arranged on theauxiliary dispenser (10 w).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a step ofcollection, preferably simultaneous, of the first and of the secondsupport (30) from the respective second positions (17) by means of thecollector (19), and the step of transportation (1004) comprises thetransportation, preferably simultaneous, of the first and/or of thesecond support (30) from the auxiliary dispenser (10 w) toward theculture plate (40) by means of the collector (19).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a step ofrelative movement, preferably performed through a rotation of theauxiliary dispenser (10 w), between the auxiliary dispenser (10 w) andthe dispenser (10), for allowing the consecutive deposition on theauxiliary dispenser (10 w) of said plurality of first supports (30)extracted from the corresponding plurality of containers (20) by meansof the extractor (18).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a step ofrotation and/or translation (1009) of the auxiliary dispenser (10 w)taking place after the first step of extraction (1001) and/or after thestep of transportation (1004), in particular taking place after eachstep of extraction (1001) and/or after each step of transportation(1004).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said step of rotation ortranslation (1009) of the auxiliary dispenser (10 w) determines apositioning of a collection area (10 r) of the auxiliary dispenser (10w) in substantial alignment with said predefined position of extractionand/or with a direction of movement (Z) determined by the extractor(18).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said direction of movement (Z)is a direction of extraction.

According to another non-limiting aspect, during the step oftransportation (1004) the collector (19) accesses to an upper surface ofthe auxiliary dispenser (10 w) and performs a movement for transportingthe plurality of supports (30) from the auxiliary dispenser (10 w)toward the culture plate (40).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said movement is a compositemovement and comprises at least one translation along a first and/or asecond axis, and/or at least one rotation around a substantiallyvertical axis, optionally wherein the first and the second axis aresubstantially inclined between them, optionally orthogonal.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a step ofoperation of a first vacuum holder (14 v) and a holding of the firstsupport (30) when in said second position (17) extracted through avacuum exerted by the vacuum holder, wherein the holding of the firstsupport (30) through the vacuum exerted by the first vacuum holder (14v) comprises a holding of the first support (30) in substantialcorrespondence of a holding hole (14) operatively connected with saidfirst vacuum holder (14 v) which is in correspondence of the auxiliarydispenser (10 w).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the holding of the at least afirst support (30) in said second extracted position (17) takes place onthe auxiliary dispenser (10 w).

According to another non-limiting aspect the method comprises a step ofverification of a presence of the at least a first support (30) and/or acorrect positioning of the at least a first support (30) on the cultureplate (40) and/or on the auxiliary dispenser (10 w), said step ofverification being performed by means of an optical control system.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the step of verification isperformed during and/or after the step of transportation (1004) of thefirst support (30) from the second position (17) toward the cultureplate (40) and/or after the step of transportation (1004) from theauxiliary dispenser (10 w) toward the culture plate (40) and/or duringthe step of extraction (1001) of the at least a first support (30).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the step of verificationcomprises an activation of at least one camera of the optical controlsystem, and comprises a transmission of image data from the cameratoward a data processing unit upon which is performed a software routinefor the identification of a presence of the at least a first support(30) on the culture plate (40) and/or on the auxiliary dispenser (10 w),and/or toward an electronic circuit of image processing, for theidentification of a presence of the at least a first support (30) on theculture plate (40) and/or on the auxiliary dispenser (10 w).

According to another non-limiting aspect, after said transmission ofimage data, the software routine causes the execution of an artificialintelligence algorithm, in particular implying the use of a neuralnetwork, destined to detect a presence and/or a shape and/or a size ofsaid at least a first support (30).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the step (1000) of positioningof the plurality of containers (20) in the corresponding plurality ofseats (11) of the dispenser (10) comprises a positioning of a firstgroup of containers of said plurality of containers (20) in a firstcorresponding group of seats (11) of said plurality of seats (11), andcomprises a positioning of a second group of containers of saidplurality of containers (20) in a second corresponding group of seats(11) of said plurality of seats, wherein said first group of containersand said second group of containers differ by shape and/or by producerand/or wherein said first group of seats (11) differs in shape from saidsecond group of seats (11).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the method comprises a step ofreconfiguration of the dispenser (10) destined to cause an alteration ofthe shape of at least part of said plurality of seats (11) and/or of anumber of said plurality of seats (11), optionally an alteration of theshape of said first group of seats (11) and/or of said second group ofseats (11), and/or comprises a reconfiguration of a number and/or of ashape of at least part of the seats of the plurality of seats (11) ofthe dispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the step of reconfiguration ofthe dispenser (10) and/or the reconfiguration of the number and/or ofthe shape of at least part of the seats of the plurality of seats (11)comprises a step of adaptation and/or replacement of at least onemodular portion of said dispenser (10) positioned in substantialcorrespondence of at least part of the plurality of seats (11) and/orcomprising at least one seat of said plurality of seats (11).

[Device]

According to the present disclosure it is also described a device (1)for distributing supports (30) impregnated with antibiotics, comprising:

-   -   a dispenser (10), provided with a plurality of seats (11)        configured for housing a corresponding plurality of tubular        containers (20), each one containing a plurality of supports        (30) impregnated with antibiotics and stacked, in such a way        that respective upper ends of the tubular containers (20) result        positioned substantially in correspondence of an upper surface        of the dispenser (10);    -   an extractor (18), configured for extracting (1001) at least a        first support (30) from an upper end of a first tubular        container (20) housed in a respective seat (11) of the dispenser        (10), and for moving (1002) the first support (30) between a        first position (16) inside the first container (20) and a second        position (17) extracted from the first container (20), said        first position (16) and said second position (17) lying        substantially in correspondence of an upper surface of the        dispenser (10) and/or of a same horizontal plane;    -   a collector (19), configured for collecting the first support        (30) from the second position (17) and for transporting (1004)        the first support (30) from the second position (17) toward a        culture plate (40).

According to the present disclosure it is also described a device (1)for distributing supports (30), comprising:

-   -   a dispenser (10), provided with a plurality of seats (11)        configured for housing a corresponding plurality of containers        (20), each one containing a plurality of supports (30) stacked;    -   an extractor (18), configured for extracting (1001) at least a        first support (30) from a first tubular container (20) housed in        a respective seat (11) of the dispenser (10), and for moving        (1002) the first support (30) between a first position (16)        inside the first container (20) and a second position (17)        extracted from the first container (20);    -   a collector (19), configured for collecting the first support        (30) from the second position (17) and for transporting (1004)        the first support (30) from the second position (17) towards a        culture plate (40).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the plurality of containers(20) is a plurality of tubular containers (20).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the plurality of seats (11) isconfigured in such a way that respective upper ends of the tubularcontainers (20) result positioned substantially in correspondence of anupper surface of the dispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the plurality of seats (11) isconfigured in such a way that respective lower ends of the tubularcontainers (20) result positioned substantially in correspondence of asurface of the dispenser (10) accessible from above.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the extractor (18) ispositioned in substantial correspondence of the, and/or is operativelyassociated to, dispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the extractor (18) isconfigured for extracting (1001) at least a first support (30) from anupper end of the first tubular container (20) housed in a respectiveseat (11) of the dispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the extractor (18) isconfigured for extracting (1001) at least a first support (30) from alower end of the first tubular container (20) housed in a respectiveseat (11) of the dispenser.

According to another non-limiting aspect, said first position (16) andsaid second position (17) lie substantially in correspondence of anupper surface of the dispenser (10) and/or of a same horizontal plane.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the extractor (18) isconfigured for performing a movement of rotation and/or translation withrespect to the dispenser (10) and/or is configured for extracting (1001)at least a first support (30) through a movement of rotation and/or ditranslation.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) comprises asupporting frame (100) upon which the dispenser (10) is movably mounted,preferrably rotatably and/or translatably mounted, in such a way thatthe dispenser (10) results movable relatively to the extractor (18) forselectively and sequentially positioning the tubular containers (20), inindividual or grouped way, in correspondence of the extractor (18) forallowing the extraction of the first supports from the tubularcontainers; or further comprising a supporting frame (100) upon whichthe extractor (18) is movably mounted, preferably rotatably and/ortranslatably mounted, in such a way that the extractor (18) resultsmovable relatively to the dispenser (10) for selectively andsequentially positioning itself in correspondence of one or more of thetubular containers (20), for allowing the extraction of the firstsupports from the tubular containers (20).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the collector (19) isconfigured for depositing the at least a first support (30) on theculture plate (40).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the extractor (18) isconfigured for extracting (1001) at least a first support (30) from anupper end of a second tubular container (20) housed in a respective seat(11) of the dispenser (10), and for moving (1002) the first support (30)between a first position (16) inside the second container (20) and asecond position (17) extracted from the second container (20).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) is configuredfor performing a step of relative movement between the extractor (18)and the dispenser (10), performed between the extraction of the firstsupport (30) of the first container (20) and the extraction of the firstsupport (30) of the second container (20).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the extractor (18) isconfigured for performing a plurality of steps of extraction (1001) of aplurality of first supports (30) from a plurality of tubular containers(20) housed in the respective seats (11) and for moving said firstsupports (30) between the first position (16) and the second position(17) or between respective first positions (16) and respective secondpositions (17), optionally lying substantially in correspondence of anupper surface of the dispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) is configuredfor performing a plurality of steps of relative movement between theextractor (18) and the dispenser (10), performed each one between two ofsaid steps of extraction (1001).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the extractor (18) isconfigured for performing a rotation and/or translation with respect tothe dispenser (10) and/or the dispenser (10) is configured forperforming a rotation and/or a translation with respect to the extractor(18).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) is configuredfor causing the rotation and/or the translation of the dispenser (10)between two steps of extraction and/or after the transportation (1004)of the first support (30) from the second position (17) toward theculture plate (40).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device is configured forpositioning the dispenser (10) in an operating position incorrespondence of which a first seat (11) of said plurality of seats(11) is in a predefined position of extraction configured and destinedto allow the extraction of the at least a first support (30) from anupper end of the first container (20) housed in said first seat (11), bymeans of the extractor (18), and/or the extractor (18) is configured formoving (1002) the first support (30) between the first position (16) andthe second position (17) starting from an upper end of the firstcontainer (20).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the upper end of the firstcontainer (20) is in substantial correspondence of the first position(16), optionally the extractor (18) being configured for extracting(1001) the at least a first support (30) from a supports unloadingportion (20 s) of the first container (20), in particular from an end ofsupports (30) unloading of the first container (20) directed upwards andsubstantially facing on said upper surface of the dispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device comprises a rotor,optionally automatically controlled, configured for causing a controlledrotation (1007) of the dispenser (10) so that a second seat (11) of saidplurality of seats (11) of the dispenser (10) is in said predefinedposition of extraction configured and destined to allow the extractionof the at least a first support (30) from an upper end of a secondcontainer (20) housed in said second seat (11), by means of theextractor (18).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the dispenser (10) has an atleast partially circular configuration and the seats (11) are arrangedaccording to io a substantially circular arrangement in the dispenser(10), which is configured for rotating during the steps of movement ofthe dispenser (10) between the extraction positions.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the extractor (18) isconfigured for moving (1002) the first support (30) between the firstposition (16) and the second position (17) through a translation along adirection substantially radial with respect to a centre of the dispenser(10), optionally through a translation along a direction radiallyexternal with respect to the centre of the dispenser (10) or through atranslation along a direction radially internal with respect to thecentre of the dispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) comprises atleast a first vacuum holder (14 v) configured for creating a vacuumbetween a striking surface and the first support (30), wherein the firstvacuum holder (14 v) is configured for holding the at least a firstsupport (30) in substantial correspondence of the second position (17)and/or of the collector (19).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) comprises atleast a first vacuum holder (14 v) configured for creating a vacuumbetween a striking surface and the first support (30), wherein the firstvacuum holder (14 v) is configured for holding the at least a firstsupport (30) after the movement performed by the extractor (18) and/orbefore the transportation (1004) performed by said collector (19) and/orduring the collection and/or the transportation (1004).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) comprises atleast a first vacuum holder (14 v) configured for creating a vacuumbetween said upper surface of the dispenser (10) and the first support(30) of the first container (20), wherein the first vacuum holder (14 v)is configured for holding the first support (30) of the first container(20) when in substantial correspondence of the second position (17)and/or after the movement performed by the extractor (18) and/or beforethe transportation performed by said collector (19).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said striking surface is atleast io one between an upper surface of the dispenser (10), or asurface of the dispenser (10) accessible from above, or is a surface insubstantial correspondence of a collection area of an auxiliarydispenser (10 w) configured for housing a plurality of supports (30) ina respective plurality of collection areas (10 r).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the collector (19) comprisesat least one collection head (19 t), operatively connected with, orcomprising, an auxiliary vacuum holder (19 v) and configured for holdingat least a respective first support (30) through the creation of avacuum between the at least a first support (30) and the collection head(19 t), optionally said collection head (19 t) being configured forholding the at least a first support (30) in correspondence of an uppersurface of the first support (30) and/or said collector (19) beingconfigured for holding the at least a first support (30) incorrespondence of a lower end portion of the collection head (19 t).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) is configuredfor causing the holding of the at least a support (30) in correspondenceof at least one respective collection head (19 t) of the collector (19)through the creation of a vacuum between the at least a first support(30) and the collection head (19 t) alternatively to the holding of theat least a first support (30) in substantial correspondence of a holdinghole (14) positioned on the dispenser (10) or on the auxiliary dispenser(10 w).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) comprises atleast a vacuum switch configured for performing a measurement of avacuum exerted by said vacuum holder and/or by said auxiliary vacuumholder (19 v); said device (1) being configured for performing anelectronic comparison between a signal, in particular an electricsignal, transmitted in use by said vacuum switch with at least a vacuumthreshold value, said comparison being destined to detect a correctholding of the at least a support (30) through an electronic comparisonof a signal, in particular of an electric signal, transmitted by saidvacuum switch with at least a vacuum threshold value.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) comprises atleast a second vacuum holder configured for creating a vacuum betweensaid upper surface of the dispenser (10) and the first support (30) ofthe second container (20).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the second vacuum holder isconfigured for holding the first support (30) of the second container(20) when in substantial correspondence of the second position (17)and/or after the movement performed by the extractor (18) and/or beforethe transportation performed by said collector (19).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) is configuredfor activating the first vacuum holder (14 v) simultaneously with thesecond vacuum holder, or for activating the second vacuum holder afterthe activation of the first vacuum holder (14 v) and after theactivation of the rotor.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the upper surface comprises aportion shaped and/or recessed (10 r) and said first position (16) andsaid second position (17) are in said portion shaped and/or recessed (10r) and/or the extractor (18) is configured for moving the support (30)within said portion shaped and/or recessed (10 r).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the extractor (18) isconfigured for extracting, in particular in a second step of extraction(1001), at least a first support (30) from a second container (20), andfor moving (1002) the first support (30) between the first position (16)and the second position (17).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) is configuredfor performing a step of relative movement between the extractor (18)and the dispenser (10), performed between the first step of extraction(1001) and the second step of extraction (1001), or the extractor (18)is configured for performing an extraction (1001) of at least a secondsupport (30) from the first container (20) and for moving the secondsupport (30) between the first position (16) and the second position(17).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) is configuredfor performing a step of relative movement between the extractor (18)and the dispenser (10), performed after the second step of extraction(1001), optionally not between the first and the second step ofextraction.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the extractor (18) isconfigured for performing a rotation and/or translation with respect tothe dispenser (10) and/or the dispenser (10) is configured forperforming a rotation and/or a translation.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) is configuredfor causing the rotation and/or the translation of the dispenser (10) atleast in correspondence of the first step of extraction (1001) and/orafter the first step of extraction (1001) and/or after thetransportation (1004) of the first support (30) from the second position(17) toward the culture plate (40).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) is configuredfor positioning the dispenser (10) in an operating position incorrespondence of which a first seat (11) of said plurality of seats(11) is in a predefined position of extraction configured and destinedto allow the extraction of the at least a first support (30) from anupper end of the first container (20) housed in said first seat (11), bymeans of the extractor (18), and/or the extractor (18) is configured formoving (1002) the first support (30) between the first position (16) andthe second position (17) starting from an upper end of the firstcontainer (20).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the upper end of the firstcontainer (20) is in substantial correspondence of the first position(16), optionally the extractor (18) being configured for extracting(1001) the at least a first support (30) from a supports unloadingportion (20 s) of the first container (20), in particular from asupports unloading end (30) of the first container (20) directed upwardsand substantially facing on said upper surface of the dispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the extractor (18) isconfigured for moving the at least a first support (30) in substantialsliding on the upper surface of the dispenser (10), optionally along adirection of movement (Z) substantially axial.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the extractor (18) comprisesan extraction finger (18 s) configured for pushing at least the firstsupport (30) in substantial sliding on the upper surface of thedispenser (10), optionally along a substantially axial direction ofmovement (Z).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said substantially axialdirection of movement (Z) is aligned between the first position (16) andthe second position (17).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the collector (19) isconfigured for performing a movement comprising at least one between atranslation approaching and moving away with respect to the uppersurface of the dispenser (10) or with respect to the surface of thedispenser (10) accessible from above, in particular along an axis (W) oftranslation substantially vertical, and/or a translation approaching andmoving away along a direction substantially radial with respect to thedispenser (10) or substantially orthogonal with respect to the axis (VV)of translation.

According to another non-limiting aspect, said movement is a compositemovement.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) comprises atleast one holding hole (14) operatively connected with the first vacuumholder (14 v), and is configured for holding the at least a firstsupport (30) in substantial correspondence of the at least one holdinghole (14).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the holding hole (14) ispositioned on said striking surface.

According to another non-limiting aspect, said at least one holding hole(14) is in correspondence of the dispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said at least one holding hole(14) is in correspondence of the auxiliary dispenser (10 w).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the holding of the at least afirst support (30) in said second extracted position (17) takes place onthe auxiliary dispenser (10 w).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) comprises anauxiliary dispenser (10 w) configured for housing a plurality ofsupports (30), optionally in a plurality of collection areas (10 r), inparticular in a respective plurality of collection areas (10 r).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) is configuredfor performing a movement (1002) of the at least a first support (30) onthe auxiliary dispenser (10 w), optionally on an upper surface of theauxiliary dispenser (10 w).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the second extracted position(17) is on said auxiliary dispenser (10 w), in particular on an uppersurface of the auxiliary dispenser (10 w) and/or on a surface of theauxiliary dispenser (10 w) accessible from above.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) is configuredfor causing a movement, in particular at least one rotation, of theauxiliary dispenser (10 w), optionally said rotation taking place arounda substantially vertical axis.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the auxiliary dispenser (10 w)comprises a plurality of collection areas (10 r) designed, each one, tocontain and/or retain at least a first support (30).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the movement, in particularthe rotation, of the auxiliary dispenser (10 w) determines a positioningof a predefined empty collection area (10 r) in a position such thatsaid second extracted position (17) corresponds substantially to saidpredefined empty collection area (10 r′), optionally determining analignment, in particular a substantially radial alignment, between aseat (11) and said empty collection area (10 r).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the collector (19) isconfigured for transporting a plurality of supports (30) from theauxiliary dispenser (10 w) toward the culture plate (40).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the collector (19) isconfigured for transporting simultaneously a plurality of supports (30)from a respective plurality of collection areas (10 r) of the auxiliarydispenser (10 w) toward the culture plate (40).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the collector (19) isconfigured for performing a composite movement for transporting saidplurality of supports (30) from the auxiliary dispenser (10 w) towardthe culture plate (40).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said composite movementcomprises at least one translation along a first and/or a second axis,and/or comprises at least one rotation around an axis substantiallyvertical.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the first and the second axisare substantially inclined between them, optionally orthogonal.

According to another non-limiting aspect, said first position (16) is aposition accessible from a lateral and/or lower portion or wall of thedispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the support (30) isimpregnated with a substantially fluid or liquid substance, optionallycomprising a medicinal, optionally an antibiotic.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the support (30) hassubstantially discoidal shape.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the seat (11) is asubstantially axial hole and comprises a main development axis.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the main development axis ofthe seat (11) is substantially parallel to a rotation axis of thedispenser (10) and/or to a relative rotation axis between the dispenser(10) and the collector (19) and/or is substantially vertical.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the seat (11) comprises aslotted portion (11a) axially extending for at least part of the,optionally substantially for the whole, extension of the seat (11) alongsaid main development axis.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the collector (19) isconfigured for collecting the support (30) through the execution of avacuum exerted on a surface of the support (30).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said first position (16) andsaid second position (17) are accessible from a substantially inclineddirection with respect to a direction of support extraction (30) andface on the outside of the dispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the substantially inclineddirection with respect to a direction of support extraction (30) is asubstantially vertical direction.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) comprises arotor configured for rotating the dispenser (10) in controlled way.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the collector (19) isconfigured for collecting the at least a first support (30) extractedfrom the second container (20) when the rotor has rotated in controlledway the dispenser (10) and when the extractor (18) has performed thefirst step of extraction (1001).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the plurality of seats (11) isconfigured for allowing the introduction of a respective container (20)in a position such that a supports unloading portion (20 s) of the firstcontainer (20), in particular a discs unloading end of the firstcontainer (20), is directed upwards and faces substantially on saidupper surface of the rotatable dispenser (10).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the plurality of seats (11) isconfigured for allowing the introduction of a respective container (20)in a position such that a supports unloading portion (20 s) of the firstcontainer (20), in particular a discs unloading end of the firstcontainer (20), is directed downwards and faces substantially on saidupper surface of the rotatable dispenser (10).

According to the present disclosure, it is also described a device (1)for distributing of supports (30) impregnated with antibiotics,comprising:

-   -   a dispenser (10), provided with a plurality of seats (11)        configured for housing a corresponding plurality of tubular        containers (20), each one containing a plurality of supports        (30) impregnated with antibiotics and stacked,    -   an auxiliary dispenser (10 w) configured for housing a plurality        of supports (30) in a respective plurality of collection areas        (10 r),    -   an extractor (18), configured for extracting (1001) at least a        first support (30) from an end of a first tubular container (20)        housed in a respective seat (11) of the dispenser (10), and for        moving (1002) the first support (30) between a first position        (16) inside the first container (20) and a second position (17)        extracted from first container (20) wherein the at least a first        support (30) is arranged on the auxiliary dispenser (10 w),    -   a collector (19), configured for collecting the first support        (30) from the second position (17) and for transporting (1004)        the first support (30) from the auxiliary dispenser (10 w)        towards a culture plate (40).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device further comprises asupporting frame (100) upon which the dispenser (10) is movably mounted,preferably rotatably and/or translatably mounted, in such a way that thedispenser (10) results movable relatively to the extractor (18) forselectively and sequentially positioning the tubular containers (20), inindividual or grouped way, in correspondence of the extractor (18) forallowing the extraction of the first supports from the tubularcontainers; or comprises also a supporting frame (100) upon which theextractor (18) is movably mounted, preferably rotatably and/ortranslatably mounted, in such a way that the extractor (18) resultsmovable relatively to the dispenser (10) for selectively andsequentially positioning itself in correspondence of one or more of thetubular containers (20), for allowing the extraction of the firstsupports from the tubular containers and/or comprises also a supportingframe (100) upon which the auxiliary dispenser (10 w) is movablymounted, preferably rotatably and/or translatably mounted, for allowingthe consecutive deposition on the auxiliary dispenser (10 w) of saidplurality of first supports (30) extracted from the correspondingplurality of containers (20) by means of the extractor (18).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the extractor (18) ispositioned and configured for extracting the first support incorrespondence of an upper end of the first container (20) housed in therespective seat of the dispenser, and/or the first position (16) insidethe first container (20) and/or the second position (17) extracted fromthe second container are in substantial correspondence of an uppersurface of the dispenser (10) and/or of a same horizontal plane.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the extractor (18) isconfigured for extracting at least a second support (30) from the firstcontainer (20), and for moving (1002) the second support (30) betweenthe first position (16) inside the first container (20) and the secondextracted position (17) wherein the second support (30) is arranged onthe auxiliary dispenser (10 w), and/or the extractor (18) is configuredfor extracting at least a first support (30) from a second container(20), and for moving (1002) the first support (30) between the firstposition (16) inside the second container (20) and the second extractedposition (17) wherein the first support (30) is positioned on theauxiliary dispenser (10 w).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the collector (19) isconfigured for collecting, preferably simultaneously, the first and thesecond support (30) from the respective second positions (17) and fortransporting (1004) preferably simultaneously, the first and the secondsupport (30) from the auxiliary dispenser (10 w) towards a culture plate(40).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the dispenser (10) isconfigured for performing a rotation and/or a translation; the device(1) being configured for causing the rotation and/or the translation ofthe dispenser (10) after the first step of extraction (1001), inparticular when both the first and the second step of extraction (1001)took place and/or between two steps of extraction and/or after thetransportation (1004) of the first support (30) from the auxiliarydispenser (10 w) toward the culture plate (40).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) comprises amover, optionally automatically controlled, configured for causing acontrolled rotation and/or a translation (1009) of the auxiliarydispenser (10 w) after the first step of extraction (1001) and/or whenthe collector (19) has transported (1004) the first support (30) fromthe auxiliary dispenser (10 w) toward the culture plate (40), whereinoptionally the device (1) is configured for causing a rotation (1009) ofthe auxiliary dispenser (10 w) after each step of extraction (1001)and/or after each transportation (1004) of a support (30) toward theculture plate (40).

According to another non-limiting aspect, said rotation or translation(1009) of the auxiliary dispenser (10 w) determines a positioning of acollection area (10 r) of said auxiliary dispenser (10 w) in substantialalignment with said predefined position of extraction and/or with adirection of movement (Z) determined by the extractor (18).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the collector (19) isconfigured for accessing, during the transportation (1004), an uppersurface of the auxiliary dispenser (10 w) and performs a movement fortransporting said plurality of supports (30) from the auxiliarydispenser (10 w) toward the culture plate (40), said movement being acomposite movement and comprising at least one translation along a firstand/or a second axis and/or at least one rotation around a substantiallyvertical axis, optionally wherein the first and the second axis aresubstantially inclined between them, optionally orthogonal.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the upper surface of theauxiliary dispenser (10 w) comprises at least one portion shaped and/orrecessed, said portion shaped and/or recessed being in substantialcorrespondence of a collection area and/or of a plurality of collectionareas.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the device (1) comprises anoptical control system, configured for, and destined to, verify apresence of the at least a first support (30) and/or a correctpositioning of the at least a first support (30) on the culture plate(40) and/or on the auxiliary dispenser (10 w).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the optical control system isconfigured and specifically adapted to be activated during and/or afterthe step of transportation (1004) of the first support (30) from thesecond position (17) toward the culture plate (40) and/or after the stepof transportation (1004) from the auxiliary dispenser (10 w) toward theculture plate (40) and/or during the extraction (1001) of the at least afirst support (30).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the optical control systemcomprises at least one camera, operatively connected with a dataprocessing unit upon which is performed a software routine for theidentification of a presence of the at least a first support (30) on theculture plate (40) and/or on the auxiliary dispenser (10 w), and/oroperatively connected with an image processing electronic circuit, forthe identification of a presence of the at least a first support (30) onthe culture plate (40) and/or on the auxiliary dispenser (10 w).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the software routine causesthe execution of an artificial intelligence algorithm, in particularimplying the use of a neural network, destined to detect a presenceand/or a shape and/or a size of said at least a first support (30).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the plurality of seats (11)comprises a first group of seats (11) configured or reconfigurable forhousing a corresponding first group of containers (20) of said pluralityof containers (20), and a second group of seats (11) configured orreconfigurable for housing a corresponding second group of containers(20) of said plurality of containers (20), wherein said first group ofcontainers and said second group of containers differ by shape and/or byproducer and/or wherein said first group of seats (11) differs in shapefrom said second group of seats (11).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the dispenser (10) is adispenser reconfigurable for determining an alteration of the shape ofat least part of the plurality of seats (11) and/or for determining analteration of the number of the plurality of seats (11), optionally thedispenser (10) being reconfigurable for determining an alteration of theshape of the first group of seats (11) and/or of the second group ofseats (11).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the dispenser (10) is amodular dispenser, and comprises at least one modular portion adaptableand/or replaceable for determining said alteration of the shape of atleast part of the plurality of seats (11) and/or of the number of saidplurality of seats (11), said modular portion being positioned insubstantial correspondence of at least part of the plurality of seats(11) and/or comprising at least one of said plurality of seats (11).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the modular portion isdesigned e specifically configured for determining a reconfiguration ofat least one seat of the plurality of seats.

[Computer Program]

According to another aspect, it is described a computer program, storedon a non-transitory memory support, wherein the computer program issuitable for being performed by at least a data processing unit, thecomputer program comprising portions of software code that whenperformed cause the execution of the steps of the method according toone or more of the aspects here described, optionally with the exclusionof the step (1000) of positioning.

[Kit]

According to the present disclosure it is described a kit comprising adevice (1) according to one or more of the aspects here described, andat least a container (20).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the container (20) comprises abody that defines a cavity (22) configured per housing a plurality ofsupports (30).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the body develops along asubstantially axial direction and/or the cavity (22) develops along asubstantially axial direction.

According to another non-limiting aspect, the container (20) comprisesat least one pusher configured for exerting a force on the plurality ofsupports (30); optionally said pusher being installed inside said cavity(22).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the container (20) comprisesat least one spring (21) installed between a striking portion (24) ofsaid body and said pusher; said spring lying in a compressedconfiguration so that to cause said force on the plurality of supports(30).

According to another non-limiting aspect, the container (20) comprisesat least one supports unloading portion (20 s) comprising at least aretainer (23) partially obstructing the cavity (22); the retainer (23)comprising optionally an angled portion and arranged such that to stopat least a support (30) in a position of extraction wherein said support(30) exits at least partially from the body, in particular from thecavity, of the container (20) and in such a way as to allow anextraction through sliding and/or pushing and/or pulling along asubstantially oblique direction, in particular orthogonal, with respectto a pushing direction of a device pusher, optionally of the extractor(18).

[Use]

According to the present disclosure it is described the use of thedevice (1) according to one or more of the aspects here described forthe execution of antibiotics susceptibility tests (AST).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure continues with a detailed description of some ofthe preferred embodiments of the device and of the method. This detaileddescription refers to the attached figures, a description thereof isherein provided.

FIG. 1 shows a lateral schematic representation of a device for thedistribution of impregnable or impregnated supports according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of a portion of the device object of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a portion of the device object of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a lateral sectional view of a dispenser suitable forcontaining a plurality of containers for impregnable or impregnatedsupports.

FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of a portion of a dispenser of the deviceobject of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a portion of the device object of thepresent disclosure, in a configuration wherein a collector is about tocollect an impregnated support from the dispenser.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a portion of the device object of thepresent disclosure, in a configuration wherein a collector has collectedthe support impregnated from the dispenser and moves towards depositingit in a culture plate.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a portion of the device object of thepresent disclosure, in a configuration wherein the collector is insubstantial axial alignment upon the culture plate and is about todeposit the impregnated support on the culture plate.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a portion of the device object of thepresent disclosure, in a configuration wherein the collector hasdeposited the impregnated support on the culture plate, and is axiallyaligned upon the dispenser for collecting another impregnated support.

FIG. 10 shows a flow chart of a method for the distribution ofimpregnable or impregnated supports according to a first non-limitingembodiment.

FIG. 11 shows a flow chart of a method for the distribution ofimpregnable or impregnated supports according to a second non-limitingembodiment.

FIG. 12 shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of the deviceobject of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 shows a flow chart of a method for the distribution ofimpregnated supports realized by the device in the embodiment of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 shows a detailed view of the device in the embodiment of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In FIG. 1 the reference number 1 identifies as a whole a device for thedistribution of impregnable or impregnated supports. This devicerealizes a system for distributing impregnable or impregnated supportsin order to allow to realize antibiotic susceptibility tests (AST).

The device 1 first of all comprises a supporting frame 100 upon which ispositioned a dispenser 10 for containers 20 in use containing aplurality of supports 30 impregnable or impregnated with a substantiallyfluid or liquid substance, optionally comprising a medicament, moreparticularly and preferably an antibiotic. The dispenser 10 is providedwith at least a plurality of seats 11, each of which is configured forhousing at least a first container 20. In particular, each of the seats11 comprises a hole, which preferably, as it can be seen in at leastpart of the attached figures, has a substantially vertical axis.

In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, the number of seats 11housed in the dispenser 10 is equal to 50; this allows to have a largenumber of containers 20 pre-loaded on the dispenser 10 and allows tokeep an automated functioning of the device 1 without the need forfurther loading of containers 20 for a sufficiently long time. Having arelatively large number of seats 11 in the dispenser 10 allows to makean overall faster functioning of the device 1.

The dispenser 10 may be configured such that the shape and/or size ofthe seats 11 may be quickly varied. In a preferred embodiment, thedispenser 10 is realized through a plurality of modular elements thatallow to adapt the shape and/or size of the seats 11 according to therequirements, thereby allowing an adaptation to containers 20 whosecharacteristics may be variable according to the specific manufacturer.

Although in the attached figures the seats 11 all have a same size, thisshould not be understood as limiting. In fact, some embodiments of thedevice 1, conceived by the Applicant but not represented in detail inthe figures attached to the present description, could be provided withseats 11 having different sizes and/or shapes, thus able to housecontainers 20 of different type.

In particular, in an embodiment, the dispenser 10 is adapted byappropriately configuring at least some of the modular elements orreplacing at least some of them, such that the plurality of containers20 housed comprises a first group of containers 20 of a first typeand/or manufacturer and/or shape, and a second group of containers 20 ofa second type and/or manufacturer and/or shape. For the purposes of thepresent disclosure, “shape” of the container 20 means any shape among ashape of a cross-sectional shape of the container 20, in particular adiameter, a length, a width, a depth, a construction material. Themodular elements are positioned in a radially outer position of thedispenser 10, but this should not be understood in a limiting manner.

In an embodiment, a modular element comprises at least one seat 11;alternatively, in a further embodiment, a modular element comprises apart of a seat, the remaining part of the seat being formed on a fixedportion of the dispenser 10, not designed to be replaced in use.

Thanks to this technical feature, the use of the dispenser 10 becomesparticularly flexible; in fact, it may happen that momentary shortagesof supply of containers 20 of a first shape, may lead to theimpossibility of completely loading the dispenser 10. Through theconfiguration of part of the modular elements or the at least partialreplacement of themselves, it is possible to provide for a completeloading of the dispenser 10 with heterogeneous containers 20, withoutaffecting the functionality and/or operating performance of the device1. The replacement or introduction of one or more modular elements alsoallows a variation of an overall number of seats 11 available on thedispenser 10.

As it will become clear prosecuting the reading of the description, theadvantages deriving from the adaptability to containers 20 of differenttype are particularly important in a device 1 in which the movement ofthe supports extracted from the containers takes place on a surface ofthe dispenser 10 that is an upper surface or in any case accessible fromabove, since in such a case the flexibility deriving from thepossibility of extracting supports from containers 20 of different typeis maximized by the absence of constraints and/or mechanical parts thatis obtained by working on an upper, or accessible from above, surfacesubstantially free.

In an embodiment, the dispenser 10 is in a substantially discoidal shapeand detects an upper surface, a lower surface opposite with respect tothe upper surface, and a lateral surface interposed between the uppersurface and the lower surface. In a non-limiting embodiment, the lateralsurface extends along a direction substantially orthogonal with respectto the planes on which the upper surface and the lower surface lie.

FIG. 1 also shows a collector 19 of a movable type, and installed in asupporting castle 19s, which in turn is supported by the supportingframe 100 of the device 1. Such a collector 19 is configured forcollecting at least one support 30 from the dispenser 10 and fortransporting the support 30 from the dispenser 10 to a culture plate 40.Although this feature should not be understood in a limiting manner, thesupporting frame 100 may be realized in aluminium, so as to be bothrobust and light.

A first and second conveyor belt 50, 60, for example of a rubberizedtype, are also shown in the non-limiting embodiment of the device 1 inFIG. 1 . Said first and second conveyor belt 50, 60 are configured forsupporting the culture plate 40 and for moving the same at least from anarrival position to a deposit position in which the culture plate 40 isin a position suitable for the deposit of the support 30 transported bythe collector 19, and between said deposit position to a destinationposition in which the culture plate 40 with at least one support 30 isdirected for further processing, in particular (but not limited to) forperforming the antibiotic susceptibility test. The control of themovement of the first and second conveyor belt 50, 60 is performed bythe data processing unit, which sends movement signals to servoactuators, in particular electric motors operatively connected each oneto the respective first and second conveyor belt 50, 60. The electricmotors may for example be stepper type.

The aforementioned elements are supported by the supporting frame 100,which in an embodiment comprises lateral walls suitable for covering aninternal componentry of the device 1 necessary to allow the movement ofthe various elements thereof described herein, including a dataprocessing unit.

A user interface 100u is provided at an appropriate height to allow thecontrol of the device 1 by an operator. The user interface 100u isoperatively connected to the data processing unit, preferably but notlimited thereto through a wired connection. The supporting frame is alsointended to make the user interface 100u lie at a height convenient foruse by an operator of normal height.

Guided user interfaces (GUIs) may be executed on the user interface toallow the operator to control of the functioning of the device 1, inparticular a step of loading at least one container 20 on the dispenser10, in an easy manner, preventing the occurrence of errors. In anon-limiting embodiment, the GUI may guide the operator in scanning anidentification code present on the container 20 so that the dataprocessing unit is able to associate determined characteristics of thesupports 30 present in the container 20 with the container 20 itself, toperform calibrations and/or configuration adaptations of the device 1 ina substantially automated manner and in association with the specificnature of the supports 30 and/or of the container 20.

As it can be seen from FIG. 2 , in a non-limiting embodiment, thedispenser 10 comprises a plurality of seats 11 arranged in asubstantially outer perimeter position and opening on the upper surface.Such seats are preferably aligned along a substantially inclineddirection with respect to the plane on which the upper surface of thedispenser 10 lies; in the embodiment shown in the figures, the seats 11extend axially along a substantially vertical main development axis andorthogonal with respect to the upper surface of the dispenser 10.Preferably, each seat 11 comprises a slotted portion 11a axiallyextending for at least part of, optionally substantially all of, theextension of the seat 11 along the main development axis.

Although in a perimeter outer position, the seats 11 are aligned on anideal internal circumference with respect to an outer circumferencealong which are aligned upper surface portions intended to temporarilyretain each at least one respective support 30 extracted from thecontainer 20 in the modes to be described below. For this reason, andfor the purposes of the present disclosure, the seats 11 are insubstantially correspondence of a first radially internal position 16 ofthe dispenser 10 and the upper surface portions intended io totemporarily hold each at least one respective support 30 are in a secondradially outer position 17 of the dispenser 10.

The upper surface of the dispenser 10 comprises a plurality of shapedand/or recessed portions 10 r with respect to a portion 13 of the uppersurface lying at a higher height. In correspondence with each of theshaped and/or recessed portions there are the seat 11 and the portion ofthe upper surface intended to temporarily retain at least one respectivesupport 30 extracted from the container 20. For this reason, it can beasserted that in at least one embodiment, the first position 16 and thesecond position 17 are in substantial correspondence with the shapedand/or recessed portions 10 r of the upper surface of the dispenser 10.

In an alternative embodiment, not shown in the attached figures, theseats 11 may take a shape of at least partially concave holding elementseach one configured for holding a respective container 20 aligned alonga substantially vertical direction and at a predetermined distance withrespect to a surface of the dispenser 10 that is substantiallyaccessible from above. This, as it will be better clarified by asubsequent reading of the present description, will allow to extract atleast one support 30 from the container 20 starting from a bottomportion thereof, but will also allow to move the support 30 bysubstantially accessing the dispenser 10 from a higher position.

As it can be seen in FIG. 4 , the container 20 has a substantiallytubular body suitable for allowing the storage of a plurality ofsupports 30 in a stack. The body of the container 20, developing along asubstantially axial direction, defines a supports unloading portion 20 sthat in use lies above the striking portion 24 and that substantiallyfaces the upper surface of the dispenser 10. The supports unloadingportion 20 s is opposite with respect to the striking portion 24.

The supports 30, preferably discoidal in shape but not limited thereto,are stacked in the cavity 22 defined by the body of the container 20;said cavity 22 extends along a substantially axial direction. Thesupports 30 are pushed by a pusher which exerts on the plurality ofsupports 30 a force axially parallel to an axis of development of thecontainer 20. The pusher is pushed by a spring 21 which is held incorrespondence to the striking portion 24 of the container 20 and whichis compressed to an increasing extent the more supports 30 areintroduced into the cavity 22.

In correspondence with the supports unloading portion 20 s the container20 has at least one retainer 23 which partially obstructs the cavity 22and which has an angled portion and arranged in such a way as to stop atleast one support 30 which, pushed by the pusher, substantially exitsfrom the tubular body of the container 20 and which can be extracted bypushing or pulling along a substantially oblique direction, inparticular orthogonal, with respect to the direction of the push exertedby the pusher.

The device 1 herein described comprises an extractor 18 configured forperforming a step of extraction of at least one support 30 from a firstcontainer 20, and for moving the support 30 between the first position16 and the second position 17, which lie in correspondence of the uppersurface of the dispenser 10. The extractor is installed on thesupporting frame 100.

In use, there is a relative movement between the extractor 18 and thedispenser 10; the relative movement may be a rotational and/or atranslational movement. In an embodiment, the extractor 18 is configuredfor simultaneously extracting a plurality of supports 30 from arespective plurality of containers 20.

As it can be seen in detail in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , in a preferredembodiment, but non-limiting thereto, the extractor 18 comprises anextraction finger 18 s movable at least between a first positionradially internal with respect to the dispenser 10 and a second positionradially external with respect to the dispenser 10.

The extraction finger 18 s realizes the aforementioned pusher. As it canbe seen from FIG. 3 , the extraction finger 18 s comprises asubstantially stepped engagement portion detecting a recess upwardlydelimited by a retaining wall and defining a pushing wall substantiallyoriented along a vertical plane that preferably, but not limitedthereto, has a vertical extension at least equal to the thickness of thesupport 30 to be extracted or greater than the thickness of the support30 to be extracted. Where the extraction finger 18 s has tosimultaneously extract a plurality of supports 30, the vertical extentof the pushing wall will preferably be equal to the number of supportsto be extracted simultaneously.

For purposes of the present disclosure, the order of presentation (i.e.,the order of extraction) of the supports 30 from the respectivecontainer 20 determines the nomenclature “first”, “second”, and so on,for the respective support 30. Thus, a first container 20 will have afirst support 30 (in use the first to be extracted) stacked on a secondsupport 30 (in use, the second to be extracted), and so on. A secondcontainer 20 will have a first support 30 (in use, the first to beextracted), stacked on a second support 30 (in use, the second to beextracted), and so on.

In the embodiments shown in the figures, the movement of the extractionfinger 18 s is a substantially axial translation along a movement axis Zradial with respect to the center of the dispenser 10. In use, duringthe translation, the extraction finger 18 s moves from the firstradially internal position to the second radially external position and,being at substantially the same height at which the support 30 islocated, engages at least one support 30 from the container 20; at thispoint, the support 30 is still substantially in the first position 16.After the engagement, the support 30 is extracted from the firstcontainer 20, retained in a fixed position in the respective seat, andis dragged in substantial sliding within the shaped and/or recessedportion 10 r along the movement axis Z, moving from the first position16 to the second position 17 being pushed by the extraction finger 18 s.

In an alternative configuration, not shown in the attached figures, theextraction finger 18 s may be configured for extracting the support 30from the container 20 by means of a traction towards a directionradially external with respect to the center of the dispenser 10. Insuch a case, in use, during the translation the extraction finger 18 smoves from the first radially internal position towards the secondradially external position and engages at least one support 30 from thecontainer 20; at this point the support 30 is substantially still in thefirst position 16. After the engagement, the support 30 is dragged insubstantial sliding within the shaped and/or recessed portion 10 r alongthe movement axis Z, moving from the first position 16 to the secondposition 17 being pulled by the extraction finger 18 s. The extractionby traction may also occur along a radially internal direction.

In correspondence of the second position 17, on the upper surface of thedispenser 10 there is, and opens, a holding hole 14, which is connectedto a first vacuum holder 14 v configured for drawing air from the uppersurface of the dispenser 10 through the holding hole 14. A vacuum pumpis operatively connected with a first vacuum holder 14 v.

In particular, the holding hole 14 is positioned within the shapedand/or recessed position and extends along an at least partiallyvertical direction. The area around the holding hole 14 acts as astriking surface when the vacuum is exerted on the bottom surface of thesupport 30.

When a support 30 arrives in correspondence of the holding hole, it isheld by means of a vacuum. In this way, it is ensured that a preciseposition of the support 30 is maintained.

It is noted that the presence of the vacuum holder is not necessarilylinked to the presence of all the above-described technical features,since the Applicant has in particular conceived an embodiment of thedevice 1 which comprises:

-   -   a dispenser 10, provided with a plurality of seats 11 configured        for housing a corresponding plurality of containers 20, each one        containing a plurality of supports 30 impregnable and arranged        in a stack;    -   an extractor 18, positioned in substantial correspondence of the        dispenser 10 and/or operatively associated with the dispenser 10        and configured for extracting at least one first support 30 from        a first container 20 housed in a respective seat 11 of the        dispenser 10, and for moving the first support 30 between a        first position 16 within the first container 20 and a second        position 17 extracted from the first container 20;    -   a collector 19, configured for collecting the first support 30        from the second position 17 and for transporting the first        support 30 from the second position 17 towards a culture plate        40;

and wherein the device 1 comprises at least one first vacuum holder 14 vconfigured for creating a vacuum between a striking surface and thefirst support 30, wherein the vacuum holder is configured for holdingthe at least one first support 30 in substantial correspondence of thesecond position 17 and/or of the collector 19.

Two contiguous shaped and/or recessed portions 10 r will have arespective holding hole 14, each one operationally connected to thefirst, and respectively second, vacuum holder.

The striking surface may be the upper surface of the dispenser 10, inparticular in correspondence of the shaped and/or recessed portion 10 r,or a surface of the dispenser 10 accessible from above, or—as it will bebetter clarified in the following portion of the description—acollection area of an auxiliary dispenser 10 w.

The dispenser 10 rotates around its central axis with a controlledrotation set by an automatically controlled rotor, so that a second seat11 is positioned in a position such that to allow the extraction of afurther support 30 from a second container 20. In use, therefore, afirst step of extraction of a first support 30 from the first container20 is followed by a step of extraction of a first support 30 from thesecond container 20. In fact, in a non-limiting embodiment, thedispenser 10 is a rotatable dispenser, the rotation of which iscontrolled by a rotor preferably installed below the bottom surface ofthe dispenser 10. The data processing unit controls the actuation of therotor so as to allow said controlled rotation. In particular, it isnoted that the rotation may be clockwise or counter clockwise.

After the rotation of the dispenser 10, the device 1 is configured forperforming a movement of the extraction finger 18 s in the form of asubstantially axial translation along a movement axis Z radial withrespect to the center of the dispenser 10. In use, during thetranslation, the extraction finger 18 s moves from the first radiallyinternal position towards the second radially external position andengages at least one support 30 from the container 20; at this point,the support 30 is substantially still in the first position 16. Afterthe engagement, the support 30 extracted from the second container 20 isdragged in substantial sliding within the shaped and/or recessed portionlOr moving from the first position 16 to the second position 17 beingpushed by the extraction finger 18 s. A further creation of the vacuumallows the appropriate holding of the support 30 extracted from thesecond container 20.

Alternatively to the above, in an alternative embodiment, the dispenser10 is kept in a fixed position, and it is the extractor 18 that rotates,in use, with respect to the dispenser 10 to first extract a firstsupport 30 from the first container 20 along said radially externaldirection and, subsequently to extract a first support 30 from thesecond container 20 along said radially external direction after arotation of the extractor finger by an angle sufficient to positionitself in correspondence of the second seat 11.

Still, in an alternative embodiment, the extractor 18 may be configuredfor simultaneously extracting a first support from a first container 20and a first support 30 from a second container 20. This is possible bothin the case where it is the dispenser 10 that rotates relative to theextractor 18, and in the case where it is the extractor 18 that rotateswith respect to the dispenser 10, this time fixed.

As it is shown in FIG. 5 , the Applicant has conceived an alternativeembodiment form for the dispenser 10, wherein the plurality of seats 11suitable for housing, each one, a container 20 is arranged on an idealcircumference radially external with respect to the ideal circumferencein correspondence to which the upper surface portions intended totemporarily retain at least one respective support 30 extracted from thecontainer 20 are positioned. In such a case, the first position 16 isradially outermost with respect to the second position 17. Theembodiment of the dispenser 10 of FIG. 5 may be associated with anextractor 18 whose extraction finger 18 s is configured for workingpushing or, alternatively pulling, thus pushing or pulling the support30. The

Applicant believes that the description of these two working modes forthe extractor 18 has been previously exhaustively described, and forthis reason does not repeat the description of them again herein,referring the reader to the preceding paragraphs. However, unlikeprevious embodiments in which the movement of the at least one firstsupport 30 takes place along a radially external direction, in case ofthe embodiment of FIG. 5 , this movement occurs along a radiallyinternal direction of movement.

A collector 19 is configured for collecting the support 30 from thesecond position 17 and for transporting the support 30 from the secondposition 17 towards a culture plate 40. FIGS. 6 through 9 showsuccessive steps of a movement of the collector 19 to perform thetransportation of the support 30.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a configuration wherein the collector19 is in the process of extracting a support 30 from the dispenser. InFIG. 6 , the extraction finger 18 s is in the second radially externalposition, and has pushed a support 30 in correspondence of the holdinghole so that said support 30 is retained by means of the vacuum. Infact, it should be noted that in correspondence of the extraction fingerindicated by the numerical arrow reference 18 s, the shaped and/orrecessed portion at the holding hole is not shown, and this is a signthat the support 30 is in the second position 17.

The collector 19 is axially aligned above the dispenser 10 and, inparticular, is axially aligned above the second position 17 incorrespondence of which is located the support 30 that has been pushedby the extraction finger 18 s. The first conveyor belt 50 has been movedso that the culture plate 40 is in substantial correspondence of thedispenser 10 and, in particular, is aligned with the axis Z whichradially departs from the center of the dispenser 10 passing through thefirst position 16 and the second position 17, in particular passingthrough the center of the seat 11 and the center of the holding hole 14.As it can be seen from FIG. 6 , the culture plate 40 is empty.

As shown in FIG. 7 , subsequently the collector 19 performs an axialtranslation movement along the axis W, substantially vertical, in orderto approach, accessing from above, the dispenser 10 so as to be able tocollect the support 30 from the second position 17. In detail, when itis arrived in correspondence of the second position 17, and inparticular having a collection head 19 t in substantial contact with thesupport 30, an auxiliary vacuum holder is activated to exert a vacuumbetween an upper surface of the support 30 and the collector 19, so thatthe support 30 can be firmly retained in substantial correspondence of alower end portion of the collection head 19 t. This vacuum is sufficientto lift the support 30 from the shaped and/or recessed portion 10 r.Thus, the device 1 comprises an auxiliary vacuum holder 19 v operativelyconnected to the collection head 19 t, which allows the holding of thesupport 30 for a predetermined period of time in correspondence of thecollection head 19 t.

The auxiliary vacuum holder comprises at least one duct operativelyconnected to said vacuum pump and comprises a hole opening on the lowerend portion of the collection head 19 t. Said lower end portion of thecollection head 19 t may have a substantially planar configuration or,alternatively, may be provided with a recess whose shape is preferablytracing that of the support 30.

In substantial correspondence of the instant of time in which theauxiliary vacuum holder 19 v is activated, the first vacuum holder 14 voperatively connected with the holding hole 14 on the dispenser 10 isdeactivated, or otherwise placed in a configuration such that a vacuumis no longer exerted between the dispenser 10 and the support 30. Forthis reason, it may therefore be understood that the activation of thefirst vacuum holder 14 v and of the auxiliary vacuum holder isalternative. The data processing unit controls the alternation of theactivation and deactivation of the first vacuum holder 14 v and of theauxiliary vacuum holder.

In order to allow an effective extraction of the support 30, when thecollector 19 performs the aforementioned translational movement alongthe axis W, the extraction finger 18 s is retracted to a positionradially internal with respect to the dispenser 10; this configurationis well shown in FIG. 7 .

Subsequently, the collector 19 is raised through an axial translationmovement along the axis W and then axially translated along a directionsubstantially parallel to the axis Z that radially departs from thecenter of the dispenser 10.

The translation of the collector along the aforementioned direction issuch that it radially departs from the center of the dispenser 10. Thevacuum is kept during the raising along the axis W and the translationalong the direction substantially parallel to the axis Z so that thesupport 30 can be firmly retained in substantial correspondence of anupper surface thereof on the collection head 19 t of the collector 19.

In FIG. 8 is shown a subsequent step wherein the collector 19 is insubstantial axial alignment above the culture plate 40 and retains thesupport 30 by means of the previously created vacuum. In particular,FIG. 8 shows a configuration wherein the collector 19 is at a heightsuch that it brings the support 30 into substantial contact with theculture plate 40. At this point, the vacuum is released by means of adeactivation of the pump or closing of the valve of the collector 19.The support 30 is now deposited on the culture plate 40.

At this point, as it is shown in FIG. 9 , the collector 19 is raised bymeans of an axial translation movement along the axis W and then axiallytranslated along a direction substantially parallel to the axis Z, inparticular radially approximating the center of the dispenser 10 untilit reaches a substantial alignment with the second position 17. FIG. 9shows a configuration in which the dispenser 10 has been rotated in acounter clockwise direction by means of a rotation set by the dataprocessing unit on the rotor. With such a rotation, a new support 30 canbe extracted from another container 20. In fact, it can be observed fromFIG. 9 that the container 20 which is on the right of the collector 19is empty. In particular, in FIG. 9 the device 1 is shown in a particularinstant of time of its working cycle in which the extraction finger 18 shas already been moved in a radially external direction along the axis Zin order to push a new support 30 (i.e., the first support 30 of asecond container) from the first position 16 to the second position 17.

In order to allow a deposit of a new support 30 on the culture plate 40,this culture plate 40 must be rotated. A rotor disk 80, positioned belowthe culture plate 40, or alternatively a rotating prehension device,perform a controlled rotation of the culture plate 40 around asubstantially vertical axis. The rotor disk 80 or the rotatingprehension device are controlled by the data processing unit. The rotordisc 80 or the rotating prehension device may be moved away from and/orapproaching the culture plate 40, so that it is possible a release ofthe io culture plate 40 for subsequent movements.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart summarizing the functioning of the device 1according to Figures from 6 to 9; in detail, the block 1000 identifiesthe positioning of at least a first container 20, containing a pluralityof supports 30 arranged in a stack, in a first seat 11 of a rotatabledispenser 10. If the dispenser 10 possesses a plurality of seats 11 asin the case of the non-limiting embodiment shown in Figures from 6 to 9,there will be further steps of positioning of a second, or more,container(s) in a respective seat 11 of the dispenser 10.

The aforementioned positioning (block 1000) may be performed manually byan operator or, alternatively, may be performed by a servo actuator ofthe device 1. Thus, in an embodiment, the step of positioning of the atleast one first container 20 is controlled by a data processing unit, inparticular by a data processing unit of the device 1.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the positioning of the container 20 in theseat 11 comprises the introduction of it along an axial directionsubstantially aligned with the direction along which the seat 11 isdeveloped. In the case of the embodiment shown in the attached figures,the direction of the introduction of the container 20 is substantiallyvertical.

In a particular embodiment, the positioning of the container 20 in theseat 11 causes the supports unloading portion 20 s of the firstcontainer 20 to face upwards and substantially face the upper surface ofthe dispenser 10, such that a support 30 faces at a height substantiallyaligned with the height at which the shaped and/or recessed portion 10 rlies. In a further embodiment, the different location of the seats 11causes the supports 30 unloading portion of the first container 20 toface downwards, and still face on the upper surface of the rotatabledispenser.

Once the filling - partial or total - of the seats 11 with a respectivecontainer has been completed, a step of extraction of at least onesupport 30 from one of the containers 20 present in the dispenser 10 maytake place. Such step of extraction is schematically represented by theblock 1001 of FIG. 10 .

The extraction of the support 30 firstly comprises the activation of theextractor 18 and comprises, after said activation, a movement of thesupport 30 between the first position 16 and the second position 17, inparticular where the first and second position 16, 17 lie substantiallyin correspondence of the surface of the dispenser 10. The movement isrepresented by the block 1002 of the diagram of FIG. 10 . Moregenerally, the movement of the support 30 takes place between said firstposition 16 and said second position 17 where at least one between thefirst position 16 and said second position 17 lies substantially incorrespondence of a height comprised between at least half of thevertical development of the dispenser 10 and a height substantiallycorresponding to the height at which the upper surface of the dispenser10 is located and/or wherein the first position 16 and the secondposition 17 are accessible from a direction substantially inclined withrespect to a direction of extraction of the support 30, in particularbeing accessible from above, and face the outside of the dispenser 10.

The Applicant particularly observes that the step of extraction (block1001) of the support 30 from the container 20 is followed by themovement (block 1002) because in at least one alternative andnon-limiting embodiment, the movement realized by the extractor 18 tocause the extraction of the support 30 from the container 20, byspecific construction of the support 30, the container 20 and/or byconformation or direction of orientation of the seat 11, may imply amovement significantly distinguishable with respect to the nearly lineartranslation of the support 30 realized by means of the extractor finger18 s in the embodiment represented in Figures from 6 to 9.

After the motion of the holder 30, a step of transportation of thesupport 30 from the dispenser 10 toward a culture plate 40 takes place;this step of transportation is identified by the block 1004 in FIG. 10 .There is a step of actuation of the collector 19 to collect the support30 from the second position 17 and a step of transportation, describedabove, performed by the collector 19, to transfer the support 30 fromthe dispenser 10 to the culture plate 40.

The block 1005 identifies a step of rotation of the culture plate 40 toallow a new deposition of a new support 30. The rotation of the cultureplate 40 is preferably controlled by a data processing unit of thedevice 1. The device 1 is configured for extracting a predefined numberN of supports from the dispenser 10 to deposit them on the culture plate40. For example, such predefined number N may be equal to the number ofsupports that may be supported on the culture plate 40. The device 1herein described is preferably configured for checking (block 1006)whether the number of supports 30 extracted from the dispenser 10 isequal to N.

In affirmative case (output S of block 1006), the operational cycle ofextraction of supports 30 from the dispenser 10 ends and the cultureplate can be translated towards the target position through the firstand/or second conveyor belt 50, 60.

In negative case (output N of block 1006), the operational cycle ofextraction of supports 30 from the dispenser continues and (block 1007)a rotation of the dispenser 10 takes place so that a subsequentcontainer 20 (or equivalently a further seat 11), be in a predefinedposition intended to allow the extraction of the at least one support 30from the subsequent container 20 by means of the extractor 18.

The block diagram of FIG. 11 shows an operating cycle of an alternativeembodiment for the device 1 herein described. Also in this embodiment,the block 1000 identifies the positioning of the at least one firstcontainer 20, containing a plurality of supports 30 arranged in a stack,into a first seat 11 of a rotatable dispenser 10. If the dispenser 10possesses a plurality of seats 11 as in the case of the non-limitingembodiment shown in Figures from 6 to 9, further steps of positioning ofa second, or more, container(s) into a respective seat 11 of thedispenser 10 will be present.

In a non-limiting embodiment, the positioning of the container 20 in theseat 11 comprises the introduction thereof along an axial directionsubstantially aligned with the direction along which the seat 11 itselfis developed. In the case of the embodiment shown in the attached, thedirection of introduction of the container 20 is substantially vertical.

Once the filling—partial or total—of the seats 11 with a respectivecontainer has been completed, a step of extraction of at least onesupport 30 from one of the containers 20 present in the dispenser 10 maytake place. This step of extraction is schematically represented by theblock 1001 of FIG. 10 .

The extraction of the support 30 firstly comprises the activation of theextractor 18 and comprises, after said activation, a movement of thesupport 30 between the first position 16 and the second position 17, inparticular where the first and second position 16, 17 lie substantiallyin correspondence of the surface of the dispenser 10. The movement isrepresented by the block 1002 of the diagram of FIG. 9 . More generally,the movement of the support 30 takes place between said first position16 and said second position 17 where at least one between said firstposition 16 and said second position 17 lies substantially incorrespondence of a height comprised between at least half of thevertical development of the dispenser 10 and a height substantiallycorresponding to the height at which there is the upper surface of thedispenser 10 and/or wherein the first position 16 and the secondposition 17 are accessible from above and face the outside of thedispenser 10.

Again, the Applicant particularly observes that the step of extraction(block 1001) of the support 30 from the container 20 comprises themovement (block 1002) because in at least one alternative andnon-limiting embodiment, the movement realized by the extractor 18 tocause the extraction of the support 30 from the container 20, byspecific construction of the support 30, of the container 20 and/or byconformation or direction of orientation of the seat 11, may imply amovement significantly distinguishable with respect to the nearly lineartranslation of the support 30 realized by the extractor finger 18 s inthe embodiment represented in Figures from 6 to 9.

The device 1 is configured for causing the movement of a plurality ofsupports 30 from the first position 16 to the second position 17 beforeproceeding with the transportation of the supports so moved toward theculture plate 40. In particular, the device 1 is configured for causinga movement of a predetermined number M of supports 30 from the firstposition 16 to the second position 17 before proceeding withtransporting the M supports 30 so moved toward the culture plate 40.

For this reason, block 1003 identifies a step of checking whether thenumber of supports 30 moved from the first position 16 to the secondposition 17 is equal to M.

In negative case (block 1003, output N), a rotation of the dispenser 10is performed (block 1008), so that a new container 20 (or equivalently anew seat 11), is in a predefined position intended to allow theextraction of the at least one support 30 from the next container 20 bymeans of the extractor 18.

In affirmative case (block 1003, output S), a step of transportation ofthe at least one support 30 from the dispenser 10 toward a culture plate40 is performed; this step of transportation is identified by block 1004in FIG. 10 .

There is a step of actuating the collector 19 to collect the at leastone support 30 from the second position and a step of transportation,described above, performed by said collector 19 to transfer the support30 up to the culture plate 40.

In particular, it is noted that the expression “transportation of the atleast one support 30” implies that in one embodiment the collector 19 isoperated to collect a support 30 from the second position, and lay it onthe culture plate 40, and again return in a position of substantialaxial alignment to a second position 17 to collect a subsequent support30.

In this case, the dispenser 10 is again rotated by its rotor to allowthe access of the collector 19 to a second position 17 contiguous withthat from which the support 30 deposited on the culture plate 40 wascollected. After each new deposition of a support 30 on the cultureplate 40, the latter is rotated with a controlled rotation.Alternatively, the dispenser 10 may be kept in a determined and fixedposition while the collector 19 performs a plurality of cycles ofcollection and subsequent deposition of supports 30 onto the cultureplate 40. In the latter case, however, the collector 19 will beconfigured for performing a composite movement wherein the horizontaltranslation cannot be longer merely axial along a direction radial withrespect to the center of the dispenser 10, but must be a horizontaltranslation along a direction substantially inclined with respect tosaid radial direction to reach, at each collection cycle, a secondposition 17 different from the previous one, until a number M ofsupports movement cycles is reached. Still alternatively, the collector19 may be configured for performing a translational movement along adirection radial with respect to the center of the dispenser 10, and forperforming a rotation sufficient to position itself in a plurality ofsecond positions 17 for the collection of the supports 30. It thusappears clear that the movement executable by the collector 19 is acomposite movement.

In an alternative embodiment, the collector 19 is actuated tosimultaneously collect a plurality of supports 30 from a plurality ofsecond positions 17 on the dispenser 10 and then deposit said pluralityof supports 30 on the culture plate 40.

The block 1005 identifies a step of rotation of the culture plate 40 toallow a new deposition of a new support 30 collected from the dispenser10, on said culture plate 40.

The device 1 is configured for extracting a predefined number N of mediafrom the dispenser 10 to deposit them on the culture plate 40. Forexample, said predefined number N may be equal to the number of supportsthat may be supported on the culture plate 40. Preferably, the device 1described herein is configured for checking (block 1006) whether thenumber of supports extracted from the dispenser 10 is equal to N.

In affirmative case (output S of block 1006), the operational cycle ofextraction of supports 30 from the dispenser 10 ends and the cultureplate may be translated towards the target position by the first and/orsecond conveyor belt 50, 60.

In negative case (output N of block 1006), the operational cycle ofextraction of supports 30 from the dispenser continues and (block 1007)a rotation of the dispenser 10 takes place, so that a new container 20(or equivalently a new seat 11), is in a predefined position intended toallow the extraction of the at least one support 30 from the nextcontainer 20 by means of the extractor 18. In particular, it is notedthat in the case where the collector 19 is configured for simultaneouslycollecting a plurality of M supports 30, the io rotation of thedispenser 10 occurs for an M number of “jumps” in order to reach an M-thsecond position 17, or equivalently, an M-th contiguous seat 11.

An alternative embodiment of the device 1 is shown in FIG. 12 . In thisembodiment, it is observed the presence of only one conveyor belt 50 anda translator which transports the culture plate 40 from a startingposition to the conveyor belt by means of a rotational movement around asensibly vertical axis and/or substantially parallel to the axis Y.

In the embodiment of FIG. 12 , the dispenser 10 comprises a plurality ofseats 11 arranged in a substantially perimeter outer position andopening on the upper surface. Preferably, such holes are aligned along adirection substantially inclined with respect to the plane on which theupper surface of the dispenser 10 lies; in the embodiment shown in thefigures, the seats 11 extend axially along a substantially vertical maindevelopment axis and orthogonal with respect to the upper surface of thedispenser 10. Preferably, each seat 11 comprises a slotted portion 11aaxially extending for at least part of, optionally substantially all of,the extension of the seat 11 along the main development axis.

In contrast to the embodiment previously shown, in the embodiment ofFIG. 12 , the second position 17 wherein the support 30 is retainedbefore being transported on the culture plate 40 is not on the dispenser10 but is on an auxiliary dispenser 10 w, which is mounted on thesupporting frame 100 and has a plurality of collection areas 10 rpreferably arranged in a substantially perimetral outer position and areon the upper surface of the auxiliary dispenser itself. In theembodiment of FIG. 12 , this auxiliary dispenser 10 w has asubstantially circular shape. This should not be understood in alimiting way, since the auxiliary dispenser 10 w may assume a pluralityof different shapes, for example and in a non-limiting extentrectangular.

The upper surface of the auxiliary dispenser 10 w is substantiallyplanarly aligned with the upper surface of the dispenser 10 (inparticular, there is an alignment on a substantially identicalhorizontal plane) so that a movement of the element 30 extracted fromthe container 20 can be realized by substantially sliding on the uppersurface of the dispenser 10, starting from a first position 16, io toreach the upper surface of the auxiliary dispenser 10 w. Incorrespondence of said collection areas 10 r, the auxiliary dispenser 10w comprises respective holding holes 14, preferably in a number equal toone for each collection area 10 r, which allow to create a vacuum withthe lower surface of the support 30 when positioned in correspondence ofthe area itself.

The auxiliary dispenser 10 w is movable; in the specific embodimentvisible in FIG. 12 and FIG. 14 , the auxiliary dispenser 10 w isrotating, and rotates around an axis substantially vertical and parallelto the axis Y. The axis of rotation of the dispenser 10 and the axis ofrotation of the auxiliary dispenser 10 w are therefore parallel. Therotation of the auxiliary dispenser 10 w is synchronized with therotation of the dispenser 10 so that a determined collection area 10 r′of the upper surface of the auxiliary dispenser 10 w is radially alignedwith a certain seat 11 of the dispenser 10.

In a preferred, but non-limiting, embodiment, the auxiliary dispenser 10w is placed in rotation by its own rotor which is operatively connectedwith a data processing unit of the device 1 which also controls therotation of the dispenser 10. Alternatively, there may be a single rotorfor the auxiliary dispenser 10 w and for the dispenser 10, whichtransmits a rotational motion to both the auxiliary dispenser 10 w andthe dispenser 10 by means of rotation demultiplying means (gears, beltdrives on pulleys of suitable radius).

In this case, in use, the extraction finger 18 s during its movementbetween the position radially internal with respect to the center of thedispenser 10 and the position radially external with respect to thecenter of the dispenser pushes the support 30 from the first position 16(on the upper surface of the dispenser 10) to the second position 17 ofthe collection area 10 r of the auxiliary dispenser 10 w.

In particular, a non-limiting embodiment of the auxiliary dispenser 10 wis shown in FIG. 14 , which has a perimeter ring 10 p that identifies asubstantially central daisy-shaped hole, having a plurality of recesseseach one defining a convexity facing the radially outermost portion ofthe auxiliary dispenser 10 w. The number of recesses is equal to thenumber of collection areas 10 r, and each recess lies substantially incorrespondence of a respective collection area 10 r. In a preferred,non-limiting embodiment, below the perimeter ring 10 p is provided aslit that substantially develops along at least part of, preferably all,the perimeter of the auxiliary dispenser 10 w.

In use, during the motion of the support 30 between the first and secondposition, the extraction finger 18 s pushes the support 30 through theslit and causes it to arrive in correspondence of the second position17, where there is the collection area 10 r.

The rotation of the auxiliary dispenser 10 w takes place after the stepof movement of the at least one first support 30 from the first position16 in correspondence of the container 20 towards the second extractedposition 17, which is therefore in correspondence of the collection area10 r on the auxiliary dispenser 10 w.

Therefore, the device 1 may be configured and programmed to cause thatafter the movement of the support 30, a step of transportation of the atleast one first support 30 from the dispenser 10 towards a culture plate40 takes place. There is a step of actuation of the collector 19 tocollect the support 30 from the second position 17, thus from apredetermined collection area 10 r on the auxiliary dispenser 10 w tocollect the support 30 from the auxiliary dispenser lOw and to perform atransportation by which the support 30 is transferred from the auxiliarydispenser 10 to the culture plate 40.

In particular, the device 1 is configured for depositing the pluralityof supports 30 on the auxiliary dispenser 10 w such that said pluralityof supports assume a substantially aligned configuration on an imaginarycircumference. Clearly, such a configuration aligned on an imaginarycircumference should not be construed in a limiting manner.

The collector 19 may be configured for extracting at least part of theplurality of supports 30 arranged on the auxiliary dispenser 10 w in asimultaneous manner, and for performing the step of transportation(block 1004) of the plurality of supports from the auxiliary dispenser10 w toward the culture plate 40 in a single operation of movement.Thus, in one embodiment, the collector 19 collects two or more, butstill only a portion of, the supports 30 from io the auxiliary dispenser10 w, in an alternative embodiment, the collector 19 may be configuredfor collecting all of the supports 30 present on the auxiliary dispenser10 w.

In this case, the collector 19 comprises a plurality of collection heads19 t, each of which has its own hole connected to a vacuum pump bymeans, preferably, of a respective solenoid valve. Alternatively, all ofthe collection heads are connected to a vacuum pump by means of a singlesolenoid valve, common for all of the heads. Further alternatively, allcollection heads are connected to the vacuum pump without solenoidvalves.

The Applicant observes that the recesses defined on the ring 10 p, eachone, have a shape substantially tracing part of the external shape ofthe collection heads 19 t. Although such collection heads are notvisible in FIG. 14 , these collection heads will preferably assume asubstantially circular shape. The purpose of the ring 10 p, and inparticular of each of the recesses, may therefore also be considereddefining an external guide during the last portion of substantiallyvertical stroke that the collection heads of the collector 19 executebefore extracting the support 30, or the plurality of supports 30, fromthe respective collection area 10 r ′. In this way, a greater extractionaccuracy of each support 30 is provided, even if the collection headsmust perform a long stroke.

It should be noted that a same collector 19 may be configured foralternately collecting part or all of the supports 30 from the auxiliarydispenser 10 w. In particular, should the collection take place with theexercise of a vacuum on the upper surface of the supports 30 arranged onthe auxiliary dispenser 10 w, it will be sufficient to selectivelyactivate, by opening or closing the respective solenoid valve, thevacuum holder for one or more of the collection heads 19 t of thecollector 19, to cause—depending on the selection made—the collection ofpart of, or all, the supports 30 present on the auxiliary dispenser 10w. The activation of the vacuum holder takes place through the dataprocessing unit.

Should the diameter of the auxiliary dispenser 10 w be substantiallysimilar to the diameter of the culture plate 40, the arrangement of theplurality of io supports 30 on the auxiliary dispenser 10 w will be thesame as the one assumed by the plurality of supports 30 on the cultureplate 40. Thanks to this aspect, it is possible to speed up the transferof supports 30 on the culture plate 40, and—at the same time—simplifythe structure of the collector 19.

In the latter case, the collector 19 is configured for performing acomposite movement in order to transfer the plurality of supports 30simultaneously on the auxiliary dispenser 10 w. In the specificembodiment shown in the attached figures, said movement comprises arotation about a substantially vertical axis and a translationsubstantially in turn along a substantially vertical axis in order toallow the approaching and moving away of the collector 19, in particularof the collection head 19 t respectively to, and from, the auxiliarydispenser 10 w or to, and from, the culture plate 40. In an alternativeembodiment provided for by the Applicant but not shown in the attachedfigures, the collector 19 does not rotate but translates axially from aposition substantially above the auxiliary dispenser 10 w to a positionsubstantially above the culture plate 40. For this reason, in that casethe collector 19 will be configured for performing a composite movementcomprising two translations along, respectively, a first and a secondaxis substantially inclined to each other, and in practice orthogonal,for allowing the approaching and the moving away of the device to, andfrom, respectively, the auxiliary dispenser 10 w or to, and from, theculture plate 40 and for moving—horizontally—between the auxiliarydispenser 10 w and the culture plate 40.

The Applicant observes that where on the auxiliary dispenser 10 w thesupports 30 are temporarily held by means of a vacuum, any rapidmovements of the auxiliary dispenser 10 w—in particular rotationaland/or translational movements—can be performed without fear of unduedisplacement of one or more supports.

The block diagram of FIG. 13 shows a specific embodiment of the methodperformed by the device of FIG. 12 .

The block 1000 identifies the positioning of at least a first container20, containing a plurality of supports 30 arranged in a stack, in afirst seat 11 of a rotatable dispenser 10. If the dispenser 10 possessesa plurality of seats 11 as in the case of the non-limiting embodimentshown in Figures from 6 to 9, further steps of positioning of a second,or more, container(s) into a respective seat 11 of the dispenser 10 willbe present.

After a filling—partial or total—of the seats 11 with a respectivecontainer has been completed, a step of extraction of at least onesupport 30 from one of the containers 20 present in the dispenser 10 maytake place. Such a step of extraction is schematically represented bythe block 1001.

The extraction of the support 30 firstly comprises the activation of theextractor 18 and comprises, after said activation, a movement of thesupport 30 between the first position 16 and the second position 17. Themovement is represented by the block 1002 of the diagram of FIG. 13 . Inparticular, in a first configuration, the dispenser 10 is positioned ina first position from which a support 30 is extracted from a firstcontainer 20 and is extracted by means of the extraction finger 18 sfrom the first container 20 and is pushed into a first collection area10 r′ of the auxiliary dispenser 10 w.

The block diagram of FIG. 13 identifies with M a predetermined number ofsupports 30, which may be equivalent to the number of collection areas10 r of the auxiliary dispenser 10 w. The block 1003 identifies a stepof verification of whether the number of supports 30 moved from thefirst position 16 to the second position 17 is equal to M.

In negative case (block 1003, output N), the auxiliary dispenser 10 w isrotated (block 1009) by a determined angle so that a new and emptycollection area 10 r is substantially aligned with the direction ofextraction identified by the axis Z.

In particular, during the rotation of the auxiliary dispenser 10 w avacuum is created through the holding holes 14 so that an appropriateholding of the at least one support 30 positioned in substantialcorrespondence of the respective at least one collection area 10 r, partof the surface of which is a striking surface for the support 30 can beexercised.

Before the extraction of a new support 30, the dispenser 10 is moved, inparticular rotated, to align a second container 20 radially on theextraction direction identified by the axis Z.

The rotation of the dispenser 10 with respect to the auxiliary dispenser10 w can take place: simultaneously with the rotation of the auxiliarydispenser 10 w, before the rotation of the auxiliary dispenser 10 w orafter the rotation of the auxiliary dispenser 10 w (block 1008). Thus, anew support 30 is extracted from the second container 20 and isextracted through the extraction finger 18 s from the second container20 and is pushed into the new collection area 10 r of the auxiliarydispenser 10 w.

Alternatively, in a second configuration, the dispenser 10 is positionedin a first position from which a support 30 is extracted from a firstcontainer 20, is extracted by means of the extraction finger 18 s fromthe first container 20 and is pushed into a first collection area 10 rof the auxiliary dispenser 10 w. Subsequently, the auxiliary dispenser10 w is rotated for a determined angle so that a new and emptycollection area 10 r is substantially aligned with the extractiondirection identified by the axis Z. Then, a new support 30 is extractedby means of the extraction finger 18 s from the first container 20 andis pushed into the new collection area 10 r of the auxiliary dispenser10 w. It is observed that in this case the dispenser 10 is not moved.Therefore, it is observed that the step of rotation of the dispenser 10is not always present at every rotation of the auxiliary dispenser 10 w,and for this reason the block 1008 is represented with a dashed line.

In affirmative case (block 1003, output S), a step of transportation ofthe plurality of M supports 30 is performed from the auxiliary dispenser10 w toward the culture plate 40; this step of transportation isidentified by the block 1004 in FIG. 13 . There is a step of actuationof the collector 19 to collect the at least one support 30 from thesecond position and a transportation, described above, performed by saidcollector 19 to transfer the plurality of M supports up to the cultureplate 40.

Optionally, particularly should the plurality of M supports transportedon the culture plate 40 said culture plate 40 be not completely filled,a step of io rotation—or more generally, movement—of the culture plate40 (block 1005) is performed.

Thanks to the operational flexibility offered by the embodiment of thedevice 1 wherein the auxiliary dispenser 10 w is present, and assumingthat different containers contain, each one, a plurality of supports 30impregnated with a first antibiotic (first container 20) and with asecond antibiotic (second container 20), it is possible to load theauxiliary dispenser 10 w in an extremely efficient and easily alterableway, during two or more loading cycles, with supports 30 impregnatedwith the same antibiotic or with a different antibiotic.

Although this shall not intended to be limiting, the device 1 may have amovable arm 70 configured for removing and repositioning a cover on theculture plate 40. In detail, said movable arm 70 is controlled by theaforementioned data processing unit; said data processing unit may beconfigured or programmed to cause the covering of the culture plate 40upon completion of the filling of said culture plate, or even only whenthe culture plate 40 is partially filled with supports 30.

The previously mentioned data processing unit may comprise ageneral-purpose processor on which a predetermined software programdesigned to allow the execution of the operating cycle of the device 1described herein is executed. This program may be written in anyprogramming language. The data processing unit may further comprise oneor more ASIC-type processors configured for allowing the execution ofthe operating cycle of the device 1 herein described.

Further alternatively, the data processing unit may be, or comprise, aprogrammable logic controller (PLC). The software program may be storedin a non-transitory memory, and such memory is integrated into the dataprocessing unit or otherwise is operationally accessible from the dataprocessing unit through any type of connection, whether electrical,optical or wireless.

Finally, the Applicant notes that the device 1 that is the object of thepresent disclosure may further comprise an optical control system,configured for, and intended to, verifying the correct positioning ofthe supports 30 during at least part of the steps of transfer from therespective containers 20 to the io culture plate 40 and furtherconfigured for verifying the presence and/or the correct positioning ofthe supports 30 on the auxiliary dispenser 10 w. In a preferred, butnon-limiting, embodiment, this optical control system is controlled, inparticular at least activated and/or deactivated, through theaforementioned data processing unit.

More in detail, the optical control system comprises a camera, inparticular a high-resolution camera operatively connected to a dataprocessing unit upon which it is performed a particular software routinewhich allows to identify the actual presence of the at least one support30 on the culture plate 40. This software routine is in detail initiatedwhen the step of transportation of the at least one first support 30towards the culture plate 40 by means of the collector is beingperformed, or has been completed.

The software routine may not only be able to determine whether or notthe first support 30 is actually positioned on the culture plate 40, butalso whether or not that support 30 is correctly positioned in apredefined position on the culture plate. In an embodiment, such asoftware routine, when it is detected through the camera that thesupport 30 has not been positioned on the culture plate 40, or in anycase when it is detected through the camera that the support 30 is in aposition not corresponding to said predefined position, may cause theactivation of an appropriate alarm signal or, alternatively or incombination, may cause the functioning of the device 1 to stop.Additional sensor systems may be present on the device 1 to detect atleast the presence or absence of a new support 30 positioned on theculture plate 40.

Alternatively or in combination with the above, the software routine maybe configured for allowing to identify the shape and/or the size of thesupport 30. In a non-limiting embodiment, the data processing unit isconfigured for operatively and/or logically associating a predefinedculture plate 40 with supports 30 of a predefined shape and/or size, andwhen in use, through the camera, it is detected that the shape and/orthe size of the support 30 transported by the collector 19 on theculture plate 40 does not correspond to said predefined shape and/orsize, this software routine can cause the activation of an opportunealarm signal or, alternatively or in combination, can cause the stop ofthe functioning of the device 1.

Still alternatively or in combination with the above, the softwareroutine may be configured for allowing to read an identification code ofthe culture plate 40, for example, a barcode or an acronym or anequivalent alphanumeric code, and compare such identification code withat least one among: a type of impregnation of the support 30 (e.g., atype of antibiotic), a shape of the support 30 and/or a size of thesupport 30. In a non-limiting embodiment, such a comparison allows torealize said operational and/or logical association. Similarly, anoperational and/or logical association can be realized between one ormore containers 20, or one or more types of containers 20, and theculture plate 40, with the same functions as described above, byidentifying a shape and/or size and/or a code present on one or more ofthe containers 20.

Although the software routine may employ several algorithms toaccomplish the above-described functions, in a preferred, but notlimited thereto, embodiment, it employs at least an artificialintelligence algorithm, which allows to obtain a high detection accuracyand reliability; in particular, such artificial intelligence algorithmmay be based on neural networks, in particular convolutional neuralnetworks, to perform a tagging and/or a segmentation of part of theacquired image.

Several relative positions may be assumed between the camera and theculture plate 40; one among these relative positions that wherein thecamera is above the culture plate 40, for example being aligned with itsaxis of rotation.

Another acceptable position that where the camera is at a higher heightwith respect to the culture plate 40 but is positioned next to it.

Where necessary, the camera can be provided with a telecentric lens,which allows to mitigate the negative effect produced by a heightdifference between the camera optics and the support 30 on themeasurement of the shape and/or size of the support 30 itself.

It is noted then that preferably the device 1 comprises at least avacuum switch configured for performing a measurement of a vacuumexerted by the vacuum holder and/or by the auxiliary vacuum holder 19 v.Vacuum switches of known type can be suitably used in the device 1.

In a preferred embodiment the device 1 comprises a first vacuum switchfor the vacuum holder operatively connected to the dispenser 10 or tothe auxiliary dispenser 10 w, and a second vacuum switch for theauxiliary vacuum holder 19 v of the collector 19. The first vacuumswitch, and when present the second vacuum switch, transmit in use avacuum signal to the data processing unit. Such a signal is preferablyan electric signal, but could also be an optical signal. The dataprocessing unit is preferably but non-limiting thereto configured forperforming an electronic comparison between the signal sent from thefirst vacuum switch (and/or from the second vacuum switch) with at leasta vacuum threshold value. This comparison is designed to detect thecorrect holding of the support 30. Should the signal sent from the firstvacuum switch (and/or from the second vacuum switch) indicate a vacuumvalue exceeding this vacuum threshold value, the action of the vacuumpump may be interrupted, or the vacuum exerted by it may be mitigated,for example through an at least partial closure of a valve, so as not todamage the support 30.

The advantages of the device and method object of the present disclosureare clear in light of the foregoing description; in details, they allowto extract in easy, flexible and rapid way a plurality of supports 30impregnated with antibiotics for the transfer towards a culture plate40. The extraction of the impregnated supports 30, which is performed incorrespondence of the upper surface of the dispenser 10 is more easilycontrolled, and requires a less complex servo-actuator system.Consequently, the device 1 herein described is inherently characterizedby remarkable reliability.

The device 1 herein described can be automated in an extremely effectiveway, achieving transfer speeds of impregnated supports 30 from thedispenser 10 to the culture plate 40 significantly faster with respectto those of competitors, in particular if the transfer speed is comparedwith the constructive simplification, in particular mechanical.

Studies carried out by the Applicant have shown a significant reductionof the filling time of a culture plate 40 with respect to competitors'devices; this significant reduction is in particular attested on timesreduced in the order of more than half, in particular more than ⅔, ofthe time necessary to obtain a filling of the same culture plate 40. Ina particular non-limiting embodiment, the Applicant has achieved areduction of the time for filling the culture plate 40, going from 35″to 5″.

The Applicant in particular observes that the specific embodiment of thedevice 1 and of the method described herein wherein the collector 19performs a step of simultaneous transportation of a plurality ofsupports 30 toward the culture plate 40 allows to increment the speed oftransfer of the plurality of supports toward the culture plate 40 withrespect to the devices of the known art in an even more optimized way.

It is also noted that the device 1 described herein allows to be able toquickly adapt to variations in the supply chain of containers 20, and isconsequently extremely flexible in use. In particular, it is noted thatthe particular technique of extraction of supports 30 from containers 20accessible from an upper surface and/or however accessible upwards ofthe dispenser 10 allows, under determined conditions, to perform theextraction of the supports 30 from containers 20 of different typewithout the need for adaptation of the extractor 18. In particular, thedispenser 10, where present the auxiliary dispenser 10 w, the extractor18 and/or the collector 19 can be specifically adapted and configuredfor allowing a readaptation to different supports 30, the operativeflexibility of the device 1 is considerably increased, and the lattercan be therefore quickly put in a condition to operate with containers20 produced by different suppliers, in particular having differentsizes.

The object of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodimentsshown in the attached figures; for this reason, where reference numbersare present in the following claims, such reference numbers will beprovided for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of theclaims. Such reference numbers therefore have no limiting function.

Finally, it is clear that additions or modifications can be applied tothe device and method herein described, without departing from the scopeprovided by the annexed claims.

1. Method of distribution of supports impregnated with antibiotics,comprising: a step of positioning of a plurality of tubular containers,each one containing a plurality of supports impregnated with antibioticsand stacked in a corresponding plurality of seats of a dispenserprovided with an upper surface and a lower surface opposite with respectto the upper surface, the plurality of seats being configured in such away that respective lower ends of said tubular containers are receivedin the seats while respective upper ends of the tubular containers,opposite to the lower ends, are positioned in correspondence of theupper surface of the dispenser, said lower surface of said dispenserbeing disposed upon a supporting frame in such a way that the dispenseris movable relatively to an extractor positioned above the dispenseralong a vertical axis for selectively and sequentially positioning thetubular containers in a horizontal plane for allowing the extraction ofthe supports from the upper ends of the tubular containers, a first stepof extraction of at least a first support from a first container, usingsaid extractor, the step of extraction being performed in correspondenceof an upper end of the first container and comprising a movement of thefirst support between a first position inside the first container and asecond position extracted from the first container, said first positionand said second position lying in correspondence of the upper surface ofthe dispenser, a step of collection of the first support from the secondposition using a collector, and a step of transportation of the firstsupport towards a culture plate by the collector.
 2. Method according toclaim 1, comprising: at least a second step of extraction of at least afirst support from a second container by the extractor, and a step ofrelative movement between the extractor and the dispenser performedbetween said first step of extraction and said second step ofextraction, or at least a plurality of steps of extraction of aplurality of first supports from a corresponding plurality of containersby the extractor, and a plurality of steps of relative movement betweenthe extractor and the dispenser each one performed between two of saidsteps of extraction.
 3. Method according to claim 1, wherein the step ofmovement comprises a rotation and/or a translation of the extractor withrespect to the dispenser and/or comprises a rotation and/or atranslation of the dispenser with respect to the extractor.
 4. Methodaccording to claim 1, comprising a step of positioning of the dispenserin an operating position in correspondence of which a first seat of saidplurality of seats is in a predefined position of extraction configuredand destined to allow the extraction of the at least a first supportfrom an upper end of the first container housed in said first seat, bythe extractor, and/or wherein the movement of the at least a firstsupport takes place starting from an upper end of the first containerand wherein an upper end of the first container is in correspondence ofthe first position, optionally said predefined position of extractionbeing destined to allow the extraction of the at least a first supportfrom a supports unloading portion of the first container, from asupports unloading end of the first container directed upwards andfacing itself on the upper surface of the dispenser.
 5. Method accordingto claim 3, wherein the step of rotation and/or translation of thedispenser comprises a step of controlled rotation of the dispenserthrough a rotor, so that a second seat of said plurality of seats of thedispenser is in said predefined position of extraction configured anddestined to allow the extraction of the at least a first support from anupper end of a second container housed in said second seat by theextractor.
 6. Method according to claim 1, wherein the dispenser has aconfiguration at least partially circular and the seats are arrangedaccording to a circular arrangement in the dispenser and wherein thedispenser performs the steps of movement between the positions ofextraction through rotation and/or wherein the movement of the firstsupport between the first position and the second position comprises atranslation along a direction radial with respect to a center of thedispenser.
 7. Method according to claim 1, wherein the step ofpositioning of the plurality of containers in the correspondingplurality of seats of the dispenser comprises a positioning of a firstgroup of containers of said plurality of containers in a firstcorresponding group of seats of said plurality of seats, and comprises apositioning of a second group of containers of said plurality ofcontainers in a second corresponding group of seats of said plurality ofseats, wherein said first group of containers and said second group ofcontainers differ by shape and/or by producer and/or wherein said firstgroup of seats differs in shape from said second group of seats. 8.Method according to claim 2, comprising a step of holding of the firstsupport of the first container by the creation of a vacuum between saidupper surface of the dispenser and the first support of the firstcontainer, wherein the step of holding comprises a holding of the firstsupport when in correspondence of the second position and/or at the endof the step of extraction and/or before the step of transportation,wherein the method comprises a step of holding of the first support ofthe second container by the creation of a vacuum between said uppersurface of the dispenser and the first support of the second container,wherein the step of holding comprises a holding of the first support ofthe second container when in correspondence of the second positionand/or at the end of the step of extraction and/or before the step oftransportation, and wherein the step of holding of the first support ofthe second container takes place simultaneously to the step of holdingof the first support of the first container or takes place after thestep of holding of the first support of the first container and afterthe step of controlled rotation or relative movement between theextractor and the dispenser.
 9. Method according to claim 1, wherein themovement of the first support takes place in a shaped and/or recessedposition of the upper surface, said first position and said secondposition being positioned in said shaped and/or recessed portion. 10.Device for distributing supports impregnated with antibiotics,comprising: a supporting frame, a dispenser, provided with an uppersurface, a lower surface opposite with respect to the upper surface, andwith plurality of seats configured for housing a corresponding pluralityof tubular containers, each one containing a plurality of supportsimpregnated with antibiotics and stacked, the plurality of seats beingconfigured in such a way that respective lower ends of said tubularcontainers are received in the seats while respective upper ends of thetubular containers opposite to said lower ends of the tubularcontainers, are positioned in correspondence of the upper surface of thedispenser, an extractor, configured for extracting at least a firstsupport from an upper end of a first tubular container housed in arespective seat of the dispenser and for moving the first supportbetween a first position inside the first container and a secondposition extracted from the first container, said first position andsaid second position lying in correspondence of said upper surface, acollector, configured for collecting the first support from the secondposition and for transporting the first support from the second positiontowards a culture plate, and wherein the lower surface of the dispenseris disposed upon the supporting frame in such a way that the dispenseris movable relatively to the extractor positioned above the dispenseralong a vertical axis for selectively and sequentially positioning thetubular containers in a horizontal plane for allowing the extraction ofthe supports from the upper ends of the tubular containers. 11.(canceled)
 12. Device according to claim 10, wherein the extractor isconfigured for extracting at least a first support from an upper end ofa second tubular container housed in a respective seat of the dispenser,and for moving the first support between a first position inside thesecond container and a second position extracted from the secondcontainer, the device being configured for performing a step of relativemovement between the extractor and the dispenser, performed between theextraction of the first support of the first container and theextraction of the first support of the second container, or wherein theextractor is configured for performing a plurality of steps ofextraction of a plurality of first supports from a plurality of tubularcontainers housed in the respective seats and for moving said firstsupports between the first position and the second position or betweenrespective first positions and respective second positions, lying incorrespondence of an upper surface of the dispenser, and the devicebeing configured for performing a plurality of steps of relativemovement between the extractor and the dispenser, each one performedbetween two of said steps of extraction.
 13. Device according to claim10, wherein the extractor is configured for performing a rotation and/ortranslation with respect to the dispenser and/or wherein the dispenseris configured for performing a rotation and/or a translation withrespect to the extractor; the device being configured for causing therotation and/or the translation of the dispenser between two steps ofextraction and/or after the transportation of the first support from thesecond position towards the culture plate.
 14. Device according to claim10, configured for positioning the dispenser in an operating position incorrespondence of which a first seat of said plurality of seats is in apredefined position of extraction configured and destined to allow theextraction of the at least a first support from an upper end of thefirst container housed in said first seat, by the extractor and/orwherein the extractor is configured for moving the first support betweenthe first position and the second position from an upper end of thefirst container and wherein the upper end of the first container is incorrespondence of the first position, the extractor being configured forextracting the at least a first support from a supports unloadingportion of the first container, from a supports unloading end of thefirst container directed upwards and facing itself on said upper surfaceof the dispenser.
 15. Device according to claim 14, comprising a rotorconfigured for causing a controlled rotation of the dispenser so that asecond seat of said plurality of seats of the dispenser is in saidpredefined position of extraction configured and destined to allow theextraction of the at least a first support from an upper end of a secondcontainer housed in said second seat by the extractor.
 16. Deviceaccording to claim 10, wherein the dispenser has an at least partiallycircular configuration and the seats are arranged according to acircular arrangement in the dispenser, that is configured for rotatingduring the steps of movement of the dispenser between the positions ofextraction and/or wherein the extractor is configured for moving thefirst support between the first position and the second position througha translation along a direction radial with respect to a center of thedispenser
 17. Device according to claim 10, comprising at least a firstvacuum holder configured for creating a vacuum between said uppersurface of the dispenser and the first support of the first containerwherein the first vacuum holder is configured for holding the firstsupport of the first container when in correspondence of the secondposition and/or after the movement performed by the extractor and/orbefore the transportation performed by said collector, the devicecomprising at least a second vacuum holder configured for creating avacuum between said upper surface of the dispenser and the first supportof the second container, wherein the second vacuum holder is configuredfor holding the first support of the second container, when incorrespondence of the second position and/or after the movementperformed by the extractor and/or before the transportation performed bysaid collector, the device being configured for activating the firstvacuum holder simultaneously with the second vacuum holder, or foractivating the second vacuum holder after the activation of the firstvacuum holder and after the activation of a rotor.
 18. Device accordingto claim 10, wherein the upper surface comprises a portion shaped and/orrecessed and said first position and said second position are in saidportion shaped and/or recessed and/or wherein the extractor isconfigured for moving the support within said portion shaped and/orrecessed.
 19. Method according to claim 1, wherein said first positionand said second position lie in correspondence of a same horizontalplane.
 20. Method of distribution of supports impregnated withantibiotics, comprising: a step of positioning of a plurality of tubularcontainers, each one containing a plurality of supports impregnated withantibiotics and stacked, in a corresponding plurality of seats of adispenser provided with an upper surface and a lower surface oppositewith respect to the upper surface, the plurality of seats beingconfigured in such a way that respective lower ends of said tubularcontainers are received in the seats while respective upper ends of thetubular containers, opposite to the lower ends, are positioned incorrespondence of the upper surface of the dispenser, said lower surfaceof said dispenser being disposed upon a supporting frame in such a waythat the dispenser is movable relatively to an extractor positionedabove the dispenser along a vertical axis for selectively andsequentially positioning the tubular containers in a horizontal planefor allowing the extraction of the supports from the upper ends tubularcontainers, a first step of extraction of at least a first support froma first container, using said extractor, the step of extraction beingperformed in correspondence of an upper end of the first container andcomprising a movement of the first support between a first positioninside the first container and a second position extracted from thefirst container, said first position and said second position lying incorrespondence of the upper surface of the dispenser; a step ofcollection of the first support from the second position using acollector, a step of transportation of the first support towards aculture plate by the collector, and wherein said first position and saidsecond position lie in correspondence of a surface of the dispenseraccessible from above.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the step ofmovement comprises a rotation and/or a translation of the extractor withrespect to the dispenser and/or comprises a rotation and/or atranslation of the dispenser with respect to the extractor.
 22. Themethod of claim 21, wherein the rotation and/or translation of thedispenser comprises a step of controlled rotation of the dispenserthrough a rotor, so that a second seat of said plurality of seats of thedispenser is in said predefined position of extraction configured anddestined to allow the extraction of the at least a first support from anupper end of a second container housed in said second seat by theextractor.
 23. The method of claim 22, comprising a step of holding ofthe first support of the first container by the creation of a vacuumbetween said upper surface of the dispenser and the first support of thefirst container, wherein the step of holding comprises a holding of thefirst support when in correspondence of the second position and/or atthe end of the step of extraction and/or before the step oftransportation, wherein the method comprises a step of holding of thefirst support of the second container by the creation of a vacuumbetween said upper surface of the dispenser and the first support of thesecond container, wherein the step of holding comprises a holding of thefirst support of the second container when in correspondence of thesecond position and/or at the end of the step of extraction and/orbefore the step of transportation, and wherein the step of holding ofthe first support takes place simultaneously to the step of holding ofthe first support of the first container or takes place after the stepof holding of the first support of the first container and after thestep of controlled rotation or relative movement between the extractorand the dispenser.